National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Adams Oshiomhole’s loyalists have lambasted Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.
Spokesperson for the group, Chris Azebamwan, said;
“The more worrisome part of Pa Odigie-Oyegun’s outburst is his claim that as part of the reconciliation process, an automatic ticket was promised Godwin Obaseki.”
“To the best of my knowledge, Chief Odigie-Oyegun was not at the meeting where reconciliation was discussed. He is no longer a principal officer of the APC, and is in no position therefore, to lay claims to the inner workings of the party.”
“One wonders why the National Reconciliation Committee headed by Chief Bisi Akande would have needed to be set up, if positions had been taken on crucial issues like the ticket for the Edo State governorship election.”
“We operate a democratic dispensation and Pa Odigie-Oyegun should allow the process throw up the best man for the job instead of attempting to throw a spanner in the works by promoting his personal opinion and the desperate ambition of Godwin Obaseki as decisions or resolutions of our party leadership.”
“He is an elder statesman and should not allow himself to be dragged into the fray. That would be a tragic fall from the high pedestal to which we are accustomed to place him.”
Odigie-Oyegun, who is the immediate past national chairman of the APC, had said that;
“I also welcome most warmly the news that Mr President has firmly endorsed the agreement reached to settle the disruptive leadership crisis at the national level that was threatening the very existence of the APC.”
“The immediately relevant part of the agreement was that both governors – Mr Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki of Edo State and Mr Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN of Ondo State, have performed creditably and should be returned unless they do not so wish.”
“This means that the party, in unity, should organise to support the return of both governors.”
“The nature of the primary election in Edo State will determine the shape and survival of the APC as a political party.”
“It will show Nigerians, and indeed the world whether the APC is a party of truth, change and progress driven by the principles of fairness, social justice and equity, or if it has become a party that believes and promotes business as usual.”
“There will be possible political consequences should fairness and justice be jettisoned in the handling of the primaries.”