In a surprising turn of events, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has reportedly resigned from his position ahead of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday. It is speculated that Adamu’s decision to resign was an attempt to avoid potential removal at the upcoming NEC meeting.

According to reports, Adamu submitted his resignation letter on Sunday night, addressing it to President Bola Tinubu. However, as President Tinubu was attending the African Union (AU) meeting in Kenya, the letter was sent to the office of the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

A source within the presidency revealed, “He has resigned. The resignation letter signed by him has been sent to the villa. The letter was addressed to President Tinubu. But since the president is away in Kenya for the AU meeting, the letter was sent to his chief of staff.”

The source further explained that Adamu’s resignation was prompted by a perceived plot against him by individuals close to the president, who aimed to embarrass him during the forthcoming party meetings. It was alleged that there were efforts to gather signatures for his impeachment during these gatherings, leading to his decision to resign in order to save himself from humiliation.

When approached for comment, Adamu, who is a former Nasarawa State governor, declined to discuss the matter until President Tinubu returned from the AU meeting.

Speculation has arisen regarding the strained relationship between Adamu and Tinubu, stemming from their differing positions during the party’s primary election to select a presidential candidate for the 2023 general elections. Adamu had declared former Senate President Ahmad Lawan as the consensus candidate, causing a rift with Northern governors who opposed his choice and insisted on the candidacy being zoned to the South. This resulted in the party opening the presidential ticket race, which Tinubu ultimately won.

Furthermore, Adamu recently voiced his opposition to the list of principal officers of the party announced by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. There are also rumors suggesting that the party’s Secretary, Iyiola Omisore, may follow in Adamu’s footsteps by tendering his resignation. Both Adamu and Omisore have faced accusations of misappropriating party funds, particularly in relation to the sale of forms for the 2023 general elections.

Dr. Salihu Lukman, the APC’s National Vice Chairman for the North-west, has repeatedly criticized both men, accusing them of “reckless financial management of party funds.”