Against widespread rumours in her constituency, Hon. Rita Orji, a former member of the House of Representatives, has emerged as an Ex-Officio member of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), representing the North-East, contrary to earlier speculation that she would emerge as the party’s National Legal Adviser.
Orji was among 27 national officers elected at the APM National Convention held in Bauchi on Thursday, where Yusuf Mamman Dantalle was returned as National Chairman for a second term.
The convention, held at the Dr Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu Square, Government House, Bauchi, also approved amendments to the party’s constitution and witnessed the inauguration of Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, as National Leader of the party.
Her emergence as Ex-Officio member puts to rest speculation surrounding the national position she would occupy in the newly constituted leadership of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The convention also elected Chika Illechukwu as Deputy National Chairman; Ovadeyi Ayodele Adebayo as National Secretary; Bashir Bala as Assistant National Secretary; and Osamuede Igbineweka as Vice Chairman, South.
Other national officers include Boluwaji Peter Oloro, Vice Chairman, South-West; Mohammed Musa Aka, Vice Chairman, North-Central; Hafsat M.B. Usman, National Women Leader; Victoria Momoh, National Treasurer; Zaavalo Badom, National Financial Secretary; and Hamza Koshe Akuyam, National Organising Secretary.
Dantalle, in his acceptance speech, described his re-election as “a solemn responsibility and a renewed call to service,” pledging to strengthen the party’s national structure, expand its membership base, deepen internal democracy and intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Our manifesto remains our social contract with the Nigerian people. It embodies our vision for a better Nigeria and places the national interest above narrow personal and sectional interests,” he said.
Meanwhile, Oyo State Governor and APM presidential candidate, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, urged opposition parties to unite ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying Nigerians deserved a credible alternative to the current administration.
Makinde said the opposition must focus on practical solutions to the country’s challenges rather than campaign slogans, stressing that Nigerians should judge governments by tangible improvements in their daily lives.
He identified employment, education, healthcare, food security and public safety as critical areas that should dominate the political discourse ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We must talk about an economy that moves over 140 million Nigerians currently living in poverty towards prosperity. We must talk about creating productive jobs and opportunities for our young people,” Makinde said.
He also advocated greater devolution of powers and resources, arguing that decisions that could be effectively taken at the state and local levels should not remain concentrated in Abuja.
The convention attracted party leaders, elected officials, governorship candidates, lawmakers and delegates from across the country.
Other Ex-Officio members elected include Bature Ruth Rueben, representing the North-West; Salisu Mohammed, North-Central; and Yusuf Abdulkarim.
