The death of the immediate past vice-chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Barrister Inuwa Abdulkadir on Monday has jolted many as he was said not to be showing any sign of illness before his death.
His demise came barely two weeks after the APC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) ratified the recommendation of President Muhammadu Buhari that the party’s National Working Committee, which Abdulkadir was a member, be dissolved.
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The 54-year old, who was until his death, the pro-chancellor of Sokoto State University made an indelible mark in Nigeria’s political arena.
Below are some of what late Abdulkadir will be remembered for:
• ‘Atiku cannot be talking anyhow’
In 2017 when former Vice President, Atiku complained about being sidelined in the APC, Inuwa granted an interview to some selected newsmen where he made a bold assertion that Atiku, considering his status in the society cannot afford to be ‘talking anyhow’.
“I think yes like I said earlier Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has made some contributions like many other party members in 2015 election and in building the party, but the bigger picture given wasn’t correct because I know in the North-West zone which I represent we had eight presidential campaign rallies which Alhaji Atiku Abubakar didn’t attend anyone.
“Secondly, yes he added value by virtue of his personality but, there are so many other members of the party who have made financial contributions and also added electoral value.
“North West is the most populous zone in terms of APC membership and in terms of electoral victory not only to the president, but the seven governors from that zone are products of the APC.
“So I think we are critical and a major stakeholder in this party. Like I emphasized, there should be some decorum in what we do.
“People who have attained high privileged positions should know that they have attained certain status in the society which they can’t afford to be talking anyhow.”
• Loyalty to Wamako got him sacked by GEJ
Abdulkadir was a political protégé of former governor of Sokoto State, Aliyu Wamako, he served as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice under Wammako. He was later appointed as minister of sports in 2012 by former President, Goodluck Jonathan.
Abdulkadir’s stay in office was however short-lived as he was sacked in August 2013 for his loyalty to his political god-father, Aliyu Wamako.
Wamako was among the five governors who openly kicked against Jonathan’s second term options ahead the 2015 election.
• Vote of no confidence and suspension
In April 2019, the Sokoto State Executive Committee of All Progressives Congress (APC) passed a vote of no confidence on Abdulkadir for alleged anti-party activities in the build-up to the governorship election in the state which APC lost to the incumbent governor, Aminu Tambuwal.
“The committee members condemned the actions of the National Vice Chairman in charge of the zone, Malam Inuwa Abdulkadir, and unanimously passed a vote of no confidence on him, sequel to sustained and flagrant anti-party activities.
“The party regretted that Abdulkadir has continued to romance and openly work for the opposition party, rather than his supposed party, the APC.
“The leaders of the party have therefore called on the national leadership of the APC to urgently do the needful, take all the necessary steps to remove Abdulkadir from office,” a statement by the executive committee of the party at the state had read.
The NWC of APC on July 18, 2019, eventually approved the suspension Abdulkadir from the party, a decision which Abdulkadir challenged in court.
On March 17, 2020, former chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole lifted Abulkadir’s suspension as part of ways to mend fences with some of the aggrieved members of the then NWC.
Inuwa Abdulkadir is survived by two wives and nine children and his remains will be buried at his residence in Sokoto.
May his soul rest in peace.
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