PDP members are welcome to APC – Odigie-Oyegun

AUGUST 4, 2013 BY LEKE BAIYEWU 3 COMMENTS



Odigie-Oyegun


Third Republic governor of Edo State and leader of the All Progressives Congress, John Odigie-Oyegun, in this interview with LEKE BAIYEWU, highlight what the newly-registered party has in stock to win the hearts of the electorate

Now that the Independent National Electoral Commission has finally registered the All Progressives Congress as a party, what is the next step?

First, I’m not a member of the APC interim executive. I’ll be speaking from the backdrop of what we’ve been saying and my personal perspective of what the future holds. For me, we have completed phase one; the critical phase. It is like building a vehicle with which to undertake a journey. We have completed the vehicle; we have tested it and it is roadworthy. Now, we are going to move into the phase two, which include building the structure and institution that will support this vehicle. This means that we are going to set up the structure of the party in all the states. We are going to design our message and move to the state, local government and ward congresses to set up the structures of this new, progressive party. And of course, we are going to organise a convention that will elect national officers.

[b]Some people keep on talking about ideology. It is very simplistic to be shouting for ideology. The days of communism, capitalism and socialism have all gone. What is important today is who best serves the interests of the people; who best heeds to the yearnings of the people; who is best placed to restore hope to the people; by what mix of policies can we return smiles to the faces of our people? These are the issues. It is not whether it is communism or capitalism. This means that we are taking very seriously the burden of meeting the yearnings of the Nigerian people. We are going to come out at the proper time with a mission statement and it will address all the questions of the ordinary Nigerians. Things they have been crying over for many years; thing we all have been agitating for; things that have seem insoluble for many years; these are the things this party will address. And we are going to act within a time frame; we are not just going to make promises. We are going to say ‘hold us responsible, if by this time we have not addressed your issues.’ We are going to be that specific.[/b]

Phase three is to plan for elections. Fortunately, we are going to drive the vehicle soon in Anambra State and in Delta State before then, because there’s a senatorial vacancy there. What is important is that we are going to tell the people of this country what we have in stock for them.

Has APC’s registration changed your perception of the Independent National Electoral Commission?


On matters like this, I have a conservative state of mind. We are very sentimental in this country. For example, when we get a judgment from a court that favours us, we blow trumpets, praising the judiciary to high heavens. But when we get contrary judgments, we also condemn judges to high heavens. I don’t want to fall into that kind of situation. Yes, INEC has done well. It has shown that it has some backbone; it has shown that it can resist pressure. But let me make a point clear, it was because we too made it easy for INEC because we dotted all i’s and across all t’s. As we were negotiating, we had in front of us the constitution of the Federal Republic and the Electoral Act. Whatever was prescribed by these two documents, we made sure we over-fulfilled. It is also good to say that INEC did well by admitting that we fulfilled all the conditions. Obviously, we were not going to bend to any pressure. After all, there are cases in court over the acronym ‘APC.’ If INEC was very weak, they could have used that as an excuse. But they were bold and forthright. My prayer is that they should carry these courage and forthrightness into the future electoral processes.

It is going to be a very stressful undertaking, giving the kind of drums that are being beating in the polity now, but I’m confident, with what they have done, that they are going to do much better in the future.

Leaders of the APC have always described the party as a better alternative to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party. What are the qualities the APC has that the PDP lacks?

We are not really an alternative because we are espousing different philosophies and different ways of doing things. We don’t want to see ourselves as an alternative; all we are doing is that we are presenting the Nigerian public with a real, credible choice. And we are going to tell them why they should prefer us to the PDP, based on records. These things are clear; the performance of the PDP in office and the performance of our governors in office. If we just pick a state like Lagos and the achievements recorded there, and translate it into the Federal Government, you can imagine the dramatic change this nation will go through. There’s a choice now. Yes, if you want to call it an alternative, let’s not argue over it. But the Nigerian public now has credible choice. Without choice, there’s no democracy.

What precisely is the credibility you’re talking about? Can you identify the difference between the two parties?

I singled out Lagos State, let me broaden it. I’m from Benin in Edo State. What has happened in almost five years in Edo State was inconceivable in the last 10 years. We had 10 years of PDP non-stop governance. Under the APC – it’s no more ACN – administration of Governor Adams Oshiomhole, we have been able to achieve in four years what we were not able to achieve in 10 years of PDP administration. There’s no comparison. What we want to say is that welfare of the people is going to be the core of governance under the APC. That is a significant, major difference. Our slogan says ‘change.’ We cannot continue business as usual; we are offering the people a change for the better. We are offering a new way of doing things. We are offering governance that will produce results in line with what is the aspiration of the people. That is the difference.

Some people are of the opinion that the APC may not be better after all because some ex-members of the PDP, which the APC often condemn, are in the new party and more of them are still coming to eventually make the two parties look alike. Do you agree?

It a bit of a puerile argument; it is a very simplistic one. [b]What matters is not where the individual is coming from, it is the atmosphere of where he is going; guiding principles, strength and commitment of where he is going. We can only come in when he agrees to be governed by the standards of the new institution. We don’t want people at all cost, no. It is not about the individuals in the PDP, it is the political atmosphere of governance in the party that has enthroned impunity and corruption. And that has become the core of governance. That is not what will operate in the APC. The chance is clear. The atmosphere in the PDP is already corrupted with impunity and cannot change. Any PDP man, who wants to join us in efforts to reposition this nation, must be ready to live by the standards of the APC. If you cannot, then of course, you shouldn’t even bother to come. The atmosphere, standards and principles in political parties are different. If you’re coming into our party, you must be ready to live and abide by the standards for good governance that the APC is meant to establish.[/b]


Analysts have also said selfish interests of APC leaders and regional interests would not allow APC last long. Have you ever envisaged this?

All I can say is that it is laughable. Those issues will always be there; conflict of interests will always be there. But, we are bound together by one iron-cast objective, and that is the welfare of our people. The greatness of this nation is what binds us together. The conflicts you’re talking about came up during the process of negotiating the merger and they were all addressed. It was one of the greatest happenings in my life to see Nigerians making sacrifices that you never thought they were capable of making. That is historic of the APC. There’ll always be clash of interests, no doubt about that. The key issue will always be ‘what is in the best interest of Nigerians; what is the best interest of the nation; what is the right thing to do.’ We cannot be divided by clashes of interests, no, we can’t. We have already established a benchmark for resolving all these conflicts because everybody has accepted that this nation has suffered enough and that it is the time for change. That is the driving force of the new movement called the APC.

Gbawe: Conclusion.

Uyi Iredia:

Time will justify or condemn this conclusion. Till 2015 and beyond.

Gbawe:

No one will tell you APC leaders are saints.

Maxymilliano:

The question still remains does the APC find every PDP decampee eminently embraceable, no matter how fetid their antecedents may have been?

Some people are of the opinion that the APC may not be better after all because some ex-members of the PDP, which the APC often condemn, are in the new party and more of them are still coming to eventually make the two parties look alike. Do you agree?

It a bit of a puerile argument; it is a very simplistic one. What matters is not where the individual is coming from, it is the atmosphere of where he is going; guiding principles, strength and commitment of where he is going. We can only come in when he agrees to be governed by the standards of the new institution. We don’t want people at all cost, no. It is not about the individuals in the PDP, it is the political atmosphere of governance in the party that has enthroned impunity and corruption. And that has become the core of governance. That is not what will operate in the APC. The chance is clear. The atmosphere in the PDP is already corrupted with impunity and cannot change. Any PDP man, who wants to join us in efforts to reposition this nation, must be ready to live by the standards of the APC. If you cannot, then of course, you shouldn’t even bother to come. The atmosphere, standards and principles in political parties are different. If you’re coming into our party, you must be ready to live and abide by the standards for good governance that the APC is meant to establish.

REHOZIBAH: 9ce summation frm Oyegun. I used to tell pipo who have swallowed hook,line n sinker d oft touted but worn out statement that 'all Nigerian politicians are d same' I said NO they are not...cos there is always d socio-ideological hue they subscribe to which distinguish them from one another

If I was going to a permissible church before now where anything goes whereby I can wear my micro skimpy mini skirt to the altar,d moment I change to Deeper Life...no one needs to tell me that I need to shed my old toga and mannerism before I can be allowed to even become a worker

So its not all PDPers who are bad,but d overall outlook of d party is what makes people to lump both the sane n d sinners 2geda

Gbawe:

Indeed. Overall, I expect the leaders of the APC to always acquit themselves well because any Nigerian able to rise above sentiments, bias and clannish myopia will never deny that, without any doubt, APC hosts or has the sympathy of virtually all those who have shown, far more than others, they mean best for Nigeria.

The most distinguished and internationally acclaimed leaders who have put in the physical, technocratic/administrative, civil rights and financial effort to deliver a better Nigeria are with the APC. It will then always be easier for these folks to behave with consistent decency and a devotion to what is best for Nigerians because this is genuinely second nature to them. It is not an act or pretentious conducted predicated on the pursuit of ulterior motives.

As one example, APC can flaunt Nuhu Ribadu who refused a $15 million bribe and has worked worldwide as a lauded and highly-rated consultant. Ribadu has refused to leave the APC even as PDP looters and their clannish supporters shout he was "betrayed" and "used". Ribadu's steadfastness makes pragmatically intelligent Nigerians to begin appreciating the principles, dedication to the salvation of Nigeria and self-sacrificial mien of many APC leaders that will deliver our troubled Country. Oshiomhole who stood valiantly against several dictators is staunchly with the APC. Everyone knows Fayemi's efforts for democracy. Balarabe Musa till today continue to stand for what is right to include staunchly supporting the handing over of power to GEJ when opportunists and today's sabre-rattlers from GEJ's own ethnic group , like Clark and Kuku, were nowhere in sight.

No one will tell you APC leaders are saints. What we can all discern, if not into lying to ourselves because of ethnocentric/political/sectional bias, is that the APC host the largest number of performers and Nigerians who have distinguished themselves to the extent, if Nigeria is sane like other nation, it can be agreed they deserve the chance to lead because of their record alone. After 14 years of zero from the PDP, it will be impossible for Nigerians who are genuinely into progress not to seriously consider the APC.

Uyi Iredia:

I agree APC is better than PDP given the dynamism of their governors. However, I don't fancy Buhari for reasons earlier stated. I think he should play the role of a mentor not politician as Tinubu seems to be doing. I mention Buhari because I suspect that the merger involves Buhari having running for president in 2015. Do you have information to the contrary ?

Gbawe:

I don't. To be honest, and from what I know beyond what is in the public domain, it is many strategic thinkers involved with the merger insisting it should be Buhari. I understand your argument and those of younger Nigerians who would prefer it to be someone younger and perhaps a more 'modern' version of Buhari or similar. I was in that camp in 2011 and got behind Ribadu.

The issue is that the strategists simply do not think the iconic popularity of Buhari in the North can be 'transferred'. In fact, for many, the 2011 outing of Ribadu in the North 'solidified' and united opinions as per the need to balance idealism with pragmatism and an appreciation of the reality of Nigeria. I think the opinion is that it may be more electorally effective to neutralize the apathy towards Buhari in the South than risk presenting a new choice that may be a hard sell in the North. I am 60%-70% sure Buhari will be the meritorious choice of the relevant electing stakeholders themselves because of how they are thinking. I have no idea who the VP candidate will be.

Uyi Iredia: ^^^I so like the fact that someone agrees with me on Pat Utomi. I would really have liked that dude to be president. As you said, it does appear Nigeria is not ready for his types. We hope generations from now his kind will be the one running the country.

rozayx5: As long as APC is made up of disgruntled elements, there is nothing to be excited about, i wish we could get a reasonable opposition in this country and not Association of Past Criminals

rozayx5: As long as APC is made up of disgruntled elements, there is nothing to be excited about, i wish we could get a reasonable opposition in this country and not Association of Past Criminals

rozayx5: As long as APC is made up of disgruntled elements, there is nothing to be excited about, i wish we could get a reasonable opposition in this country and not Association of Past Criminals

REHOZIBAH:

Mr Non-Disgruntled! Association of Past Criminals u call them? Smh...

U pipo just bandy words around to suit your emotions...who is the criminals amongst the likes of Buhari(Former Head of State),Tinubu(former Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer Mobil Oil Plc, Former Gov Lagos state),Nuhu Ribadu(Former EFCC chairman Bribed by James Ibori wt $15 million dollars yet he refused to pocket it), Chris Ngige(Rose to the post of Asst Director Min of Health State House Former Gov),Shekarau( Former Gov Kano),Fashola,Rochas,Annie Okonkwo(Owner of ZoomMobile amongst several coy),Ogbonnaya Onu(First Civilian Gov of Abia state),Adams Oshiomhole(Former NLC President,Gov Edo State),Kayode Fayemi(Former UN staff,Voice behind Radio Kudirat during June 12) d list is endless...if u are not old enuff to know the antecedents of some of dez pipo and several of dem that makes up d APC....d best for u to do is to ask questions which will be adequately answered and not resort to character assasination

Uyi Iredia: ^^^I so like the fact that someone agrees with me on Pat Utomi. I would really have liked that dude to be president. As you said, it does appear Nigeria is not ready for his types. We hope generations from now his kind will be the one running the country.

skyfall: The interview shows that most of the champions of APC think alike and know exactly where they're going. I trust them enough to support whoever they field as candidates.

I'm really hoping they'll field Madam Ezekwesili as VP though. That'll be a first in Nigeria and will definitely help capture SE votes. Just thinking aloud.

Gbawe:


Most progressive-minded Nigerians would support Utomi yet how many are those sort numerically? To defeat the PDP the APC must operate with pragmatism. The sort Utomi himself showed by joining the ACN and now APC.

Let us not forget that Utomi himself began the race for the 2011 Presidency. Utomi dropped out to endorse Shekarau when he realized his real support base , beyond the support he enjoyed from a very small rank of sophisticated voters like you, was effectively zero!!!!! Our leaders (Utomi et al) showed that they have learned vital lessons from the 2011 elections. The question is that can me and you learn lessons as well so we do not keep advocating for what the political sophistication to achieve is non-existent?

I supported Ribadu in 2011 but I have learnt some key lessons. The main one being that it is better to support someone with a good chance of winning (Buhari) for the stage of sophistication majority of Nigerians are at (perhaps as high as 80%) who can then include those we all support (Ribadu, Utomi, Oshiomhole et al) in a team that will deliver for Nigeria. It also helps that Buhari will not tolerate corruption and will give appointees the chance and protection to deliver.

Let me put things in perspective about our fellow Nigerians. Utomi had to drop out of the election because of lack of popularity and funds since no one believed in him to sponsor him. Yet Nigerians voted for Jonathan who had nothing a sophisticated polity would seek in a leader. Does that not tell you what you are dealing with? Did Ribadu, a far more qualified leader a sophisticated polity would have endorsed unanimously, not fall far short against GEJ in 2011? that is the reality election strategists have to grapple with.

Not recognizing the reality of Nigeria to keep insisting we want Utomi or Gani Fawehinmi (of blessed memory) will simply translate into a big victory for the PDP upon which we can all go home and watch 4 more years lost for Nigeria. Anyway, it is like Skyfall said. I will support whoever the APC present because they are the better Party for me.