My dear Chairman,

Let me begin by thanking you once again for doing me the honor of attending my 70th birthday celebration at Igueben, my ancestral home town on Friday 25th April 2014.

I also extend my thanks and appreciation to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who came with you and I was deeply touched by the presence of a number of our party leaders who were able to honor my invitation. I give thanks to the Almighty God for his grace and favors these past seventy years!

Bisi Akande

I have taken a few days rest but my intention of proceeding to an extended holiday seem to be disturbed by the overwhelming unfavorable reports I have received from across the country on the present status of our party. I have spoken to party members and leaders across the country and the feeling is unanimous regarding the downward trend of things.

I am writing this from Benin City, the Capital of my home State – Edo where as you must have gathered from the press and other sources all is also not well.

The latest problems arise from the Congresses where in the South South Region, there are fundamental problems in Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross Rivers and Edo. I have been informed of similar problems in most other States across the country. Parallel Excos have emerged in Ogun State!

Here in the South South I could personally do nothing as a Leader or the South South Vice Chairman since the arrangements on ground give me no powers to operate. Party head quarters has established very strange channels of communication with my region and State.

I accepted the position of South South Vice Chairman just to assist build our party in this region. Unfortunately I have not been allowed to do so.

Chairman, you may recall that in our last Interim Executive council meeting held on Tuesday 18th March we could not resolve the Agenda item on Congresses. A strong case was made for the establishment of an Independent Convention/Congress committee.

There was a lot of heat over the issue and a decision was therefore taken to step down the matter, adjourn the meeting and that an emergency Exco meeting should be convened within a few days to resolve the issues. No meeting has been called since then but some process seem to have been initiated for Ward, LGA and State Congresses to take place Nation wide.

CHIEF Tom Ikimi

The mass failure of these processes is not a surprise to me at all. How the personnel for these Congresses have been generated is shrouded in utmost secrecy. A failed Ward Congress can only give birth to a failed LGA Congress, a disaster at State Level and mayhem at National Convention.

I have just gathered that some secrete names are now being compiled to form National Convention Committee. How we are to proceed to a National Convention under the present circumstance baffles me!

I am compelled to express strong reservations on the present state of affairs in our Party and my heart bleeds when I look back at the efforts and personal sacrifice many of us made to bring this National platform to fruition.

I am a strong apostle of a Two Strong Party Democracy and the Nation enthusiastically welcomed the APC which proclaimed hope for CHANGE! The reports I receive today is far from encouraging as we are loosing members in droves every where.

There are many issues that I do not feel its appropriate to communicate to you in this message which I have copied to many of our core Leaders. The situation is serious and urgent.

In the circumstance I would most respectfully request you to convene an Interim Exco Meeting expanded to include selected Leaders Nation Wide within the next few days to discuss the present state of our party and particularly the on going processes.

Excellency, I send you this note with the highest respects and prayers for your continued good health and well being!

Regards,Chief Tom Ikimi