Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Committee of Diaspora Chairmen (CDC), Prof. Adesegun Labinjo, has voiced strong objections to the recent reclassification of APC diaspora chapters as “Support Groups or Associations.” Labinjo emphasized in a statement on Thursday that diaspora chapters have maintained a loyal and harmonious relationship with the APC, actively supporting the party’s vision and leadership for over 13 years.
This reaction follows an October 31 directive from APC spokesperson Mr. Felix Morka, who announced the redesignation of all diaspora chapters to reflect their new status as support groups or associations. Labinjo argued that the change is unwarranted, as diaspora chapters have long been recognized as integral extensions of the party. He cited successful gatherings in Chicago (2013) and New York (2015), where party officials from Nigeria engaged with diaspora members in official capacities.
Labinjo also highlighted the significant contributions made by diaspora chapters during and after the election of President Bola Tinubu, noting their efforts in campaign support and active participation in Tinubu’s inauguration events. Furthermore, he pointed to instances where senior party officials, including National Secretary Sen. Ajibola Basiru and National Organising Secretary Dr. Suleiman Argungu, formally acknowledged the diaspora chapters.
In light of the redesignation, Labinjo called for the resignation of Basiru and Argungu, alleging they had embarrassed the party by undermining the diaspora chapters. “Our party deserves leaders who foster unity, not those who divide and degrade its image, especially among members in the diaspora,” he stated.
An emergency meeting of CDC Chairmen in New York underscored the necessity of removing Basiru and Argungu, citing their “undue interference” with diaspora affairs and actions that they claim contradict the party’s constitution. Labinjo described the move to redesignate the diaspora chapters as “disrespectful” and a departure from APC’s high standards.
