By Augustine Okezie, Katsina

The All Progressive Congress (APC) has dismissed fears in several quarters over the status of Governor Mala Mai Buni-led Caretaker/Extra ordinary National convention planning Committee (CECPC).

It said the committee’s position won’t affect the party congresses and nominations.

The Committee, according to a member of the CECPC representing North West, Senator Abba Alli, is simply acting and will soon hand over after the party’s national convention.

Alli assured reporters in Katsina the party’s ward congresses held on Saturday, the recent registration/validation exercise for its members as well as nominations being authorised by Governor Buni cannot be legally invalidated as being feared.

He said: “The fears of party members and concerned Nigerians over holding the ward congress despite recent Supreme Court ruling on Ondo State Governorship election is unfounded.

‘’The APC leadership sought extensive legal advice from its counsel and other legal opinions before going ahead with the Congresses.

“We did not just decide to hold the ward congress despite the Supreme Court ruling. We sought necessary legal advice on the issue even before the ruling’’.

“Don’t forget, we who are members of the National Caretaker Committee are not salaried members, nor on executive appointment as envisaged in the relevant sections of our party’s constitution and that of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The ward congress that we have just held on Saturday and the recently held party registration/ validation for our members, also showed that we are fully ready for the 2023 general elections.’

The 80-year-old Senator, who is also touted in the Katsina circle as a close confidant of President Muhammadu Buhari, also argued the chances of the party in the 2023 general elections are extremely bright.

He projected APC will pool not less than 30 million votes in 2023.