By Osehobo Ofure

The APC in Edo today is facing trying times. The party got here through the machinations of Governor Godwin Obaseki, whose style of leadership or governance by exclusion since he took office accounts for the division among the political class in the state.

There is now no cohesion in the party, on whose platform Obaseki contested and won election. The love among party members is waxing cold because the governor has alienated party members and leaders of his party, the APC in the state.

This was the scenario before and after gubernatorial aspirants on All Progressives Congress (APC) platform, met, articulated and condemned what they described as needless crisis that has engulfed the party since the middle of 2018.

The governorship aspirants, including former deputy governor, Pius Odubu; Charles Airhiavbere, Osagie Ize-Iyamu and Chris Ogiemwonyi, blamed the crisis on the deliberate alienation of party leaders and members by the Governor which all worked hard to install him in 2016 as a negation of Edo peoples' collective desire for a party that is stable, virile and .

They condemned the orgy of politically motivated violence which once swept through the state and targeted members of the party with opposing views from the governor coupled with attacks on the person of the APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole and others perceived as threats to the second term ambition of Governor Obaseki.

The aspirants lamented the inauguration of the State House of Assembly - elected members of the legislative arm on the platform of APC but unable to perform their lawmaking duties due to the antics of the Governor as they passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of the party at the state and national levels, led by Dr. David Imuse and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

The aspirants who commended President Muhammadu Buhari and other national leaders of the party for their insistence on party supremacy, said this impetus is key to the party retaining Edo State with, ‘firmer grip’ in this year’s gubernatorial election.

In their views, there was need for sanity to prevail in Edo APC as it remained the party that would enable all stakeholders, to realise individual and collective aspirations to provide effective, efficient and productive leadership for Edo state, going forward.

In summary what these prominent sons of Edo said was that three and half years down the road, Obaseki as governor had only succeeded in marginalizing other members of the party with his wicked claim that he cannot use the public resources to feed the greed of party leaders and members.

Their submission is that as the next governorship election in Edo State approaches, party members must unite and work to arrive at a consensus to deliver any candidate who is adequately equipped to strike a balance between delivering on good governance for Edo people and promoting the party platform that formed the government.

It was on the heels of rebuilding the party that a few days ago a meeting called by some leaders of the All Progressives Congress in Edo state was postponed to allow stakeholders continue consultations. The benefits outlined below comes with consensus and for the Edo APC now is the time to work hard at making them a reality.

Sharing power:
Consensus enables stakeholders to take collective control over the decisions that affect the party. At its heart is a respectful dialogue between equals, with all working as one.

Building the party:
Consensus decisions aim to meet everyone's most important needs and find a balance between what different people want.

Making better decisions:
Consensus involves looking for ‘win-win' solutions that are acceptable to all. It is neither compromise nor unanimity – it aims to go further by weaving together everyone's best ideas and key concerns – a process that often results in surprising and creative solutions, inspiring both the individual and the party as whole.

Getting things done:
When everyone agrees with a decision they are much more likely to implement it. In the long run, people are also more likely to stay involved in a group that is committed to hearing their views and meeting their needs.

Ironically, consensus decision-making has been labelled a process that builds trust and creates ownership and commitment. The effective consensus process is said to be one that is inclusive and engages all participants and so lead to better quality outcomes that can empower the journey forward.

Before now, one of the stakeholders, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu said, "...aspirants have chosen to work together, myself, General Airhiavbere, Engineer Chris Ogiemwonyi, Dr Pius Odubu, Hon Saturday Uwuilekwe, Professor Amadasun, Chief Solomon Edebiri, people who have expressed their interest in Governorship. But that has not stopped us from interacting; from sitting together. And we have all resolved that somebody will get it and whoever gets it, all of us will support the person. And that is how it is supposed to be"

He also said, "For many of us, we are ready to concede to the party position. Whoever the party wants, fine. And if by the grace of God, it happens the party also chooses us, we also expect the same level of grace from them and that means to concede".

Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu is a team player. If the party can actually get to the level where all aspirants can actually engage themselves, interface and come up with a consensus, it will save a lot of money, stress, bitterness, and rivalry. And this is what the party needs now more than ever.

#Edomustmoveforward