₦airaland Forum

Again Oshiomhole humiliated as court asks INEC to give Okorocha certificate of return


...the case was between barely literate abriba taylor and our learned judiciary - Okorocha supporters

Following an Abuja High Court ruling on Friday that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has no power to deprive Mr Rochas Okorocha the Certificate of Return as senator-elect, supporters of the immediate past governor of Imo State, are celebrating what they have described as their victory against the national chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

According to some of the supporters led by Mr Azu Nkemakolam, “the victory was between an abriba taylor, Adams Oshiomhole, whose educational qualifications are controversies and our learned men and women in the judicial arm of government. Oshiomhole is driving the APC on a roller coaster to ruin and self-destruct and we are grateful to the judiciary for standing up again to correct what was clearly an anomaly. We are not in a Banana Republic where the ignorance of one man, powered by hard drugs will continue to shape our affairs as a party or people.”

Nkemakolam added: “With this ruling, Oshiomhole is beginning to learn that you cannot jump from the bush after getting high on cheap drugs and browbeat everyone, who are better educated, more refined and sophisticated, better exposed and far smarter than him, into accepting lawlessness. Oshiomhole's lawless ways cannot stand and the court has demonstrated that.”

He expressed fears that “our worry as APC supporters is that we may lose more seats in the court over the indiscretion of Oshiomhole, whether in the National Assembly, state assembly or even governors.”

Nkemakolam said: “Our APC chairman should bury his head in shame and step aside before the worst will happen. Shame to Adams Oshiomhole, Okorocha has defeated you.”

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/333556-exclusive-to-avoid-going-down-apc-must-retire-oshiomhole-buharis-minister.html

EXCLUSIVE: To avoid ‘going down’, APC must retire Oshiomhole – Buhari’s minister

Injustice and impunity perpetrated by the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adam Oshiomhole, cost the party Oyo State and led to other instances of misfortune elsewhere during the last elections, former communications minister, Adebayo Shittu, has said.

Speaking exclusively with PREMIUM TIMES in Abuja on Monday, Mr Shittu joined the call for Mr Oshiomole’s exit as the APC chairman.

He said Mr Oshiomhole’s exit is necessary to avoid the APC “going down in 2023.”

“God has a way of ensuring that people are punished for their mischief, for their injustices and all that,” said Mr Shittu, speaking against the background of his lost battle to secure the APC ticket to vie for the governorship election in Oyo State.

He was disqualified from the shadow election by the National Working Committee of the party, led by Mr Oshiomhole, after PREMIUM TIMES reported Mr Shittu’s failure to participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

*‘Divine punishment’*

“God did indeed punish the leaders in Oyo State and even showed our national chairman that you don’t cause injustice against people,” he said.

He said he was disqualified for missing NYSC despite his case in court for affirmation of the legality of his action ”and the fact that rival, Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi also did not serve (NYSC).”

Mr Shittu said it was not the first he would suffer injustice.

He said he was denied the ticket of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) to re-contest for a seat in the Oyo State House of Assembly because he criticised his party (UPN) whose leaders, he said, were also found with the same things he had criticised the National Party of Nigeria, (NPN), for.

UPN lost the 1983 election in Oyo, he recalled, linking that with the alleged ‘injustice’ against him.

“In the same vein in 2019, I wanted to be governor. Of course, I had attempted it before and I knew I was most qualified for a number of reasons but was unjustly disqualified.”

*Red card for Oshiomhole*

Asked to state his position on the calls for Mr Oshiomhole to leave, he said, “this is somebody who met the party having 26 states. By the time he (was through) with shenanigans and destruction, the party is left with barely 20 states or so now. My fear is that if he is not removed before 2023, my fear is that there is a possibility of APC going down.

“President Buhari is the magnet keeping the party together now. Once President Buhari is no longer on the ballot, I can’t say with Oshiomhole. So, it’s a matter of urgency that we retire him. So, we bring fair-minded (persons), who would engage less of their mouth than their brain.”

*Spiralling Anger*

Mr Shittu joins a growing list of party officials who want the former labour leader ‘booted’ from leading the ruling party.

Some of his traducers hinge their grouse on the fact that APC’s political fortune had dwindled across the country since the last general elections, even though the party’s flag bearer, incumbent President Buhari won re-election.

The ex-governors of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun and that of Imo, Rochas Okorocha, for instance, had never hidden their dislike for Mr Oshiomhole while in office.

The constant bickering between the ex-Edo governor and the two governors reached a peak when the party structures in both states were ruptured ahead of the last general elections. The party eventually lost Imo to the opposition, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Another person who also recently called for Mr Oshiomhole’s exit is the deputy national chairman of the party, Lawal Shuaibu. Mr Shuaibu blamed Mr Oshiomhole for the APC’s loss of Zamfara State.

A few days after Mr Shuaibu’s call, a former national chairman of the party, John Odigie-Oyegun, criticised Mr Oshiomhole, accusing him of being incapable of running the APC.

Mr Oshiomhole succeeded Mr Odigie-Oyegun as the APC chairman.

Mr Shuaibu’s call had prompted a reaction from the state chairmen of APC in the South-south (Oshiomhole’s region), who blamed the party’s troubles on Mr Odigie-Oyegun.

In his interview with PREMIUM TIMES, apart from speaking on the APC crisis, Mr Shittu also spoke on the government’s handling of the MTN fine, his decision to skip NYSC, reforms at NIPOST, and other national matters.

The full interview will be published soon.

https://guardian.ng/politics/ragging-issues-that-may-oust-oshiomhole-as-apc-chairman/


Raging issues that may oust Oshiomhole as APC chairman

Observers have posited that three critical issues must have been responsible for the current travails of APC’s national chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, which date back to when it became evident that he was the preferred candidate of the party’s national leader, Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

Before the party’s national congress held on June 23 last year, sentiments were divided as to whether Chief John Odigie-Oyegun-led NWC should continue in office to supervise the 2019 general elections primaries. Proponents argued that it would enable the party to manage avoidable crises that may arise after the primaries. They argued that the time frame at the time would make things difficult for a new person to handle some of the likely outcomes of the primaries.

But those opposed to the argument insisted that for Odigie-Oyegun to continue in office would not only violate the party’s constitution but also the 1999 constitution. Among those who wanted the erstwhile national chairman out was Tinubu who had before then demanded Odigie-Oyegun’s resignation, having also accused him of corruption during the party’s September 3, 2016 governorship primaries in Ondo State.

Although, Tinubu and his cohorts had the ear of President Muhammadu Buhari, who had to reverse himself after he had earlier agreed to retain Odigie-Oyegun as chairman to continue in office after APC’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in February 2018. While the division was ongoing, it became evident that Oshiomhole was Tinubu’s favourite replacement for Odigie-Oyegun. Since then some members of the party became uncomfortable; they felt that with Oshiomhole as chairman, he might dance to the whims and caprices of the national leader who had been scheming to control the party.

True to type, as soon as Oshiomhole emerged national chairman, his actions and utterances rang true to the fears raised by his antagonists, which appear to tilt towards the tailored plan of the national leader. A vivid example some members of the party pointed to was the different approaches the party adopted to conduct its primaries across the 36 states. In some places, the direct primary approach was used as it suited particular individuals while in others indirect approach was adopted as it also suited some particular individuals in the state.

In the case of Lagos State, the direct primary approach recorded one of the most controversial governorship primaries in the country that led to the disgraceful denial of former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode a second term ticket. This was despite the outbursts of Lagos State Governorship Primary Election Committee chaired by Clement Ebiri who said his committee did not supervise the primary conducted on October 2. But Oshiomhole allegedly forced Ebiri to swallow his words allegedly based on the influence of Tinubu and the result of the exercise was upheld even when it was considered a charade.

It has also been alleged that the role of Oshiomhole in the primaries held in Delta, Zamfara, Rivers and others cost the party victories in those states in the last general elections.

Other ordeals the incumbent national chairman is facing is the suit instituted against him by Zamfara State chapter over the imposition of governorship candidate in the party’s primary just as youths burnt down a police station in Akwa-Ibom State over the imposition of candidates. In Delta State, a member of the party, Michael Johnny, also sued his party over the imposition of the state’s former governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, as the party’s candidate of Delta South Senatorial District while the Benue State chapter also accused Oshiomhole of rejecting the popular choice of Dickson Akoh to back Dan Onjeh and others.

Meanwhile, a coalition of support groups of APC has demanded Oshiomhole’s immediate resignation as national chairman over what it called ‘poor handling of the party’s affairs’ since he emerged. In a statement signed on behalf of the coalition by James Ovia and Ismaila Faruq, the group said it was joining the calls for Oshiomhole’s resignation because, since his emergence as national chairman, the party’s fortunes have been dwindling. They stressed that it would it would be difficult for APC to emerge victorious in the 2023 general elections if Oshiomhole continues to handle the party’s affairs.

According to the group, “It is on record that in 2015, APC won elections in all the states without any issues. However, under Oshiomhole’s leadership, the party, in what has now become a bad history, could not conduct primaries in Rivers and Zamfara States as a result of which it had no candidates for a single elective office in the state.

“More painful was the case in Zamfara, where, after participating in the elections and winning all elective offices, all the votes scored by the APC were voided, paving the way for opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to be declared winner of all elective offices, including the governorship, the three senatorial seats and the seven House of Representatives seats. All these happened because of Oshiomhole’s bad leadership.

“Between the last Presidential and National Assembly elections and now, APC had lost several seats for both national and states’ assemblies to opposition party largely due to the poor handling of the party’s primaries by Oshiomhole.”The highhandedness of the former governor of Edo State as well as his perceived arrogance and ‘know it all’ attitude are also pitting him against some forces in the party. For instance, The Guardian gathered that since the youths protested at the party’s headquarters in Abuja when Oshiomhole reportedly escaped through the back fence of the building to avoid being attacked, he has hardly come to his office in party’s secretariat but rather operates from his personal residence in Abuja from where he is conducting the party’s affairs. It is, however, uncertain, too, how cordial his relationship currently is with Tinubu.

Clearly, Oshiomhole stands a slim chance of retaining the chairmanship seat at the next convention if he survives the pressure on him to resign. However, 24 hours in politics, as they say, is a long time. Oshiomhole may just play himself back into the party’s reckoning if he deftly handles these pressures currently mounting on him.

…says he did it before

The National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has disparaged the highly revered Royal Palace of the Benin Monarch in his desperate move to stop Governor Godwin Obaseki from getting a second term in office.

Thumping his chest at a meeting with his jittery followers, amid growing calls from respected members of the APC on Oshiomhole to resign as chairman of the party, the former Edo State governor was quoted as saying that “Benin people including the traditional rulers will be bought for the right price.”

Dismissing the fears raised by some of his loyalists, particularly, the rising popularity of governor Obaseki among millions of Edo people, predicated on his sterling performance across all sectors of the state, the APC national chairman maintained that “the palace and the Benins lend their support on cash and carry basis to the highest bidder.”

A source at the meeting, who wouldn’t want his name mentioned said “Oshiomhole assured his loyalists that although the Benin speaking people in Edo South Senatorial District have over 54 per cent of the state's population, the people and their traditional rulers can be bought for the right price.

“The Benins are many but once you are playing the right music, once money is at stake, they are ready to play ball," our source quoted Oshiomhole as saying.

When asked how he plans to unseat Obaseki who is from a prominent Benin family with close ties with the palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, Oshiomhole declared “I have done it before. I have won many of them to myself and as usual, money will do the magic against the Benins.”

The source further said that Oshiomhole described the revered Benin Monarch, other Benin traditional rulers and the Benins as “people that are available to be bought as long as the price is right.”

Very apt article. It was Osho Baba's "over bloated sense of belief" that made him mess himself up by breaching protocol at Buhari's inauguration

…says APC Chairmen wooing Edo south law makers with cash gift, younger brother, Seid Aliyu, leading plot

The Edo APC Coalition For Progress has said that it has uncovered a plot by the National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, to instigate members of the Edo State House of Assembly to commence impeachment process against Governor Godwin Obaseki.

Chairman of the group, Hon. (Dr.) Peter Ologun, said “the evil plot is being spearheaded by the Member-elect, Seid Aliyu Oshiomhole, younger brother to the APC National Chairman.”

Hon. Ologun said: “We have it on good authority that House of Assembly members from Edo South Senatorial District have been targeted to lead the impeachment process. Cash gift, in millions of naira have been promised members of the House of Assembly.

“Comrade Oshiomhole has resorted to impeachment move against the governor after sponsored media attacks against Governor Obaseki, ended up making Obaseki more popular as several groups trooped to the streets of Benin City to express their support for the less than three-year-old government.”

According to the group, “Our sources told us that Oshiomhole’s younger brother, Seid Aliyu Oshiomhole, who was recently elected into the Edo House of Assembly is the one spearheading the evil plot.

“I can authoritatively tell Edo people that huge amount of money is being deployed for this plot and all Edo people should rise against the plot.

He added: “We were told that Oshiomhole's emissaries were rebuffed by members of the Edo State House of Assembly who were reached to effect the impeachment process, despite the promise of bags of money and juicy contracts in Abuja.

“The Edo APC Coalition for Progress wishes to express our annoyance with Oshiomhole’s high handedness and irrationality.

“We wish to inform the messengers from Iyamho to go back to their master and tell him that we have enough problems already within the APC that he created. Any further complication of the crises on ground will bring the ruling party in the state to its knees.

“For Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, we wish to impress on him that under his watch as the party's national chairman, more setbacks are being recorded by the APC daily, as the courts are cleaning up the mess he created with his garrulousness, mediocrity and the use of thugs in the conduct of primary elections.”

He explained that “Much of the crises we have now could have been avoided if Oshiomhole applied a great deal of tact, strategy and caution in handling the party’s affairs. The party’s walls are cracking and we pray the roof does not collapse on our heads soon.

“If you read the newspapers, you will find on a daily basis, stories of APC members across the country, calling for Oshiomhole’s sack. It will amount to foolhardiness if after being sacked in Abuja, he has no place to hide his head in Edo State.”

Ologun described as “self-inflicted” and declared that “the crises in our party caused by the national chairman must stop. His advisers should call him to order to retrace his steps and make peace with all the people he has offended.

“Edo APC is his base and we will not be party any further crises, instead, we advise him to listen to the voice of reason.”

Oshiomhole’s last-ditch effort to bring down Governor Obaseki through sponsored impeachment, is coming at a time millions of Edo people, including members of the opposition parties and erstwhile critics of the government, are endorsing him for a second term, on the strength of his achievements in various sectors of the state.

https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/06/02/oyegun-oshiomhole-lacks-capacity-to-run-big-political-party-2/

https://thenationonlineng.net/oshiomholes-agbero-style-of-engagement-demarketing-apc-oyegun/

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/06/oshiomhole-lacks-the-temperament-required-to-lead-a-political-party-oyegun-fires-back/

https://www.independent.ng/oshiomhole-lacks-temperament-required-to-lead-apc-oyegun/

https://www.sunnewsonline.com/oyegun-bombs-oshiomhole-says-apc-chair-lacks-character-to-manage-party/

https://tribuneonlineng.com/216075/

https://www.blueprint.ng/breaking-oyegun-mocks-oshiomhole-says-apc-chair-has-failed/


Oshiomhole lacks the temperament required to lead a political party – Oyegun

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The immediate past national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie Oyegun has said that his successor, Adams Oshiomhole, lacks capacity to manage the different interests and tendencies that constitute a political party.

In apparent reaction to the allegation by the South-south APC chairmen that he laid landmines for the Oshiomhole-led national executive, Oyegun described it as “ludicrous and infantile and an attempt to dream up justification for the failings of the party under Oshiomhole chairmanship”.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Public Affairs Adviser, Chief Ray Morphy, the former national chairman said Oshiomhole failed because he lacks the temperament required to run a big political party like APC.

“That statement of Booby Traps is ludicrous and infantile and an attempt to dream up justification for the failings of the party under Oshiomhole Chairmanship,” he said.

Regarding the brewing crisis of confidence and the misfortune the ruling party witnessed at the last general election, the former chairman said the crisis in states arose out of sheer incapacity on the part of the current chairman.

He said Oshiomhole failed because he lacks the temperament that is required to run a political party.

He said Oshiomhole also. lacks the capacity to manage the different interests and tendencies that constitute a political party.

“He engages his mouth before engaging his mind, so he offends party members, so how does that constitute booby traps by Oyegun, the erstwhile chairman.

“Already, the Deputy National Chairman has confirmed that Oshiomhole runs the party without recourse to the NWC.
“He acts in direct opposite of decisions taken by NWC. No minutes of NWC meetings which in any event take place outside the party Secretariat,” he said.

Oyegun said that part of Oshiomhole’s poor sense of judgement was when he gave the states freedom to choose their methods of picking candidates for elections.

“How would you not have crisis in states with the confusion that Oshiomhole created when he gave the states freedom to choose their methods of choosing candidates for elections. Much of the crisis in states arose out of sheer incapacity on the part of the current chairman, how does this Oshiomhole incapacity become booby traps by Oyegun.

“Many party men were aghast at the unfairness and injustice meted them during the primaries process.

“Only a bad carpenter quarrels with his tools. Indeed Oshiomhole is degrading and demarketing the party, rather than seek to bring more people on board, he is rather chasing people out of the party with his agbero style of engagement,” Oyegun.said.

https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/06/02/more-troubles-for-oshiomhole-as-edo-apc-stakeholders-join-the-fray-calling-for-his-immediate-resignation-2/

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/06/more-troubles-for-oshiomhole-as-edo-apc-joins-calls-for-his-resignation/

https://www.sunnewsonline.com/shocker-as-edo-apc-group-demands-oshiomholes-resignation/


More Troubles for Oshiomhole as Edo APC Stakeholders Join the Fray Calling for his Immediate Resignation

More troubles are coming the way of embattled National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and former governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole as stakeholders of the party yesterday joined the fray calling for his immediate resignation.

The group under the umbrella of Edo APC Coalition for Progress at a press conference held in Benin City, the state capital, challenged Adams Oshiomhole “to toe the path of honour,” stressing that he “is the one promoting nepotism in Edo politics” and the nation at large.

Spokesman for the group, Dr. Peter Ologun vowed that members of the body would organise a one million march against Oshiomhole soon in Abuja, the nation’s seat of power, should he fail ‘to immediately’ step down as the helmsman of the party, insisting that they “no longer have confidence in him."

Dr. Ologun said they are determined to “disown him” as a son of the Heart Beat state in the oil rich South-South geo political zone “for leading the APC as an emperor,’ a development he maintained cost the fold the “shameful” defeat in Zamfara, Rivers State, Bauchi and Imo States, respectively.

He observed with dismay that President Muhammadu Buhari despite having the powers in his hands in the governance of this country has never interfered in the affairs of Katsina state and other states, but, in Edo state the situation is the reverse.

“What we have seen in recent times in Edo State is a situation where Comrade Adams Oshiomhole is the one directly promoting nepotism in Edo and National APC,” he alleged.

According to him, “Oshiomhole’s resignation will help us recover the party from imminent collapse,” adding that the only way justice can be done to those involved in anti-party activities during the 2019 general elections is for Oshiomhole to resign from the party.’’

He added that, “APC members now live in fear because of Oshiomhole’s ineptitude and behaviour. He has suddenly turned the state into a place of anarchy; from the position of being a leader to an emperor who does not take advice from anybody. We stakeholders feel that Edo State is above anybody. He has no capacity to lead the party and therefore he should honourably quit the party as the national chairman."

They noted that the fortunes of the party are depleting on daily basis, pointing out that it has never been like this since the beginning of the party and even when the former chairman national chairman Chief John Odigie Oyegun was in charge of the affairs of the party.

“Oshiomhole’s continued stay in office will no doubt culminate in the demise of APC in Nigeria. If Oshiomhole refuse to toe the path of honour, by tendering his resignation letter, Edo APC members would be left with no option but to stage a one million man march in Abuja to peacefully enforce his removal from office as National Chairman of APC”.

“We have no option than to join the popular call across the country on Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to resign with immediate effect. This is to enable us recover and rebuild the party from where Chief John Odigie Oyegun left it in June 2018 where we had majority governors, controlled the senate and the house of representatives, where we had few cases if at all the various courts across the country.”

“Where in Edo State public peace, security and good conduct had been restored; where in Zamfara state, the PDP never smelled government house or any elected public office since the restoration of democracy in 1999, where Imo state was successfully recovered from the PDP/APGA and APC firmly rooted and an APC where no one dominated as sole administrator and where the voice of decent was celebrated and democracy and justice flourished unhindered where Buhari’s interest never tainted with internal party wrangling.”

As plot to sack Oshiomhole thickens, Kogi Gov. Bello withdraws support after saving APC chairman from DSS

...how Oshiomhole forged signature several times to outwit DSS officials

Following the dwindling fortunes of the All Progressives Congress, APC, under the watch of the national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, governors of the party across the country, have resolved to save the party and show its embattled chairman the exit door.

Sources, who wouldn't want their names in print, told this reporter, that some of the governors have resolved to save the party from any further slide into more crises over the crude style adopted by its chairman that has earned the party more enemies than members.

Specifically, Governor Yahaya Bello, GYB, of Kogi, one of the few allies left with Adams Oshiomhole, National Chairman, All Progressives Congress, APC, may have begun a tactical withdrawal of support from the embattled party chairman after recent move by the APC national working committee, NWC, members’ decision to throw Oshiomhole under the bus.

GYB, unknown to many was Oshiomhole’s saving grace when the party chairman was arrested last year over multiple allegations bordering on extortion from party candidates before the election this year.

As learnt, GYB was the only governor who picked Oshiomhole’s call while he was under detention by DSS. “At the time, Oshiomhole was given an option of resigning after irrefutable facts of his betrayals were shown to him. It was a case of multiple extortions from party candidates. He even allegedly collected money from PDP party stalwarts to undermine his own party primaries in some states. The DSS considered that a matter of national security,” explained a source.

According to close confidants of GYB, many governors and party faithful of APC had shunned calls from the embattled party chairman especially when they learnt that Aisha Buhari, wife of President Buhari was also one of the arrowheads angling for the axing of Oshiomhole.

“GYB unknowingly picked Oshiomhole’s call. By that time, Oshiomhole while in DSS detention had managed to delay his resignation by appending fake signatures to confession to his alleged crimes and resignation letters. The DSS had to verify each time and asked him to properly append his signature,” explained a close confidant to the Kogi state governor.

As learnt, GYB’s intervention after unwittingly picking Oshiomhole’s call saved the embattled chairman. It was GYB who mobilised the presidency to thread carefully on the matter, after persuading them that such move could impact negatively on the party at the polls.

But the move by Bello was said to have angered Mrs Buhari, who is believed to be GYB’s friend from way back in their school days. GYB, reportedly spent several days trying to explain his position to Mrs Buhari on the matter. With the loss of Zamfara State to PDP at the apex court on account of a bungled party primary, the knives have again come out for Oshiomhole, a reason why GYB has begun a tactical withdrawal of support for the party chairman.

Few days ago, the deputy national chairman of APC, Senator Lawal Shuaibu, wrote to Oshiomhole to follow the path of honour and resign in the face of glaring incompetence exhibited by Oshiomhole in the handling of the party's affairs.

The call for Oshiomhole's resignation has been receiving the endorsements of members of the NWC, the latest, being APC governors.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/KCue4LHonWc



The fall of APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, from grace continues, as he can be seen asked to vacate a line for state functionaries at the Eagles Square, during President Buhari's inauguration.

Is this the end of the line for him?

http://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/05/26/weighing-zamfaraexit-and-the-apcs-future/

Weighing ‘Zamfaraexit’ and the APC’s Future

While advocates of Oshiomholeexit may be jumping the gun following the loss of five (possibly seven) states by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under the watch of its national chairman Adams Oshiomhole, his future – or lack of one – invites stern examination, writes Louis Achi


For sheer nimble swiftness and energy, few politicians in Nigeria today can match the dancing skill and prowess of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. But these humorous, unscripted performances could easily fool some observers into misreading the essence of the diminutive Edo State-born politician.

However, following the Supreme Court’s ruling on Friday, against the victory of the APC in Zamfara State, many worried party stakeholders are asking – has Oshiomhole danced himself into a bind by considerably diminishing the party he met?

At press time, the governing APC has conceded five states – Adamawa, Zamfara, Oyo, Imo and Bauchi to the PDP with Kano and Osun states dangling precariously. The apex court held the APC did not conduct valid primaries in the buildup to the 2019 general elections in Zamfara. The ruling was in validation of the judgement of the Court of Appeal, Sokoto Division, which ruled that no valid primaries were conducted by the APC in Zamfara State.

The Supreme Court also ruled that the candidate with the second highest number of votes in the election, and who meets the constitutional requirement, should be declared winner of the election – thereby making PDP’s Matawalle effectively the governor-elect of Zamfara State.

After his two-term governance of Edo State, quick-witted Oshiomhole is certainly not a rookie by any parameters. Very few current governors – whether in the ruling party or opposition – can intimidate him or educate him on the finer points or intricacies of managing a behemoth like APC. But significant tactical contradictions in the party chair’s perceived imperious administrative footing are being blamed for what the faithful see as the shrinking of the political party under his watch.

It is worth recalling that Oshiomhole was in serious battle with some state governors, fallout of the party’s primaries held to elect candidates for various elective offices in the 2019 general elections.

Oshiomhole’s main antagonists were Governors Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara, Rochas Okorocha of Imo, Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun and Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo States. The four governors accused the party chair of highhandedness in his handling of the primaries held to elect their successors.

In November, 2018, the APC national chairman was interrogated by the State Security Service (SSS) following petitions allegedly filed by some governors. Oshiomhole later travelled to London, where he reportedly met national party leader Bola Tinubu who was undergoing treatment for an undisclosed medical ailment.

Back to Nigeria, Oshiomhole confirmed that he was interrogated by the SSS and declared that it was not their business to investigate corruption allegations against him. Sources within the intelligence services disclosed that Oshiomhole had become an ‘interesting individual’ to them.

More specifically, Oshiomhole incurred the wrath of the erstwhile chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara, over the mode of conduct of governorship primary and the “politics” that played out afterwards. Willy-nilly, this led to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), declaring that Zamfara APC did not submit the names of its candidates before the deadline given by the commission.

The crisis apparently peaked when the national headquarters of APC issued a statement three days to the deadline for elections, disbanding the Zamfara State executives and banning Yari from participating in the conduct of primaries alleging “interference”. The APC had earlier directed states to decide which mode of primary they will use in selecting candidates: direct primary, indirect and consensus.

While Yari’s camp, including the executive officials, chose the indirect mode, another camp, encompassing most of the other governorship aspirants, preferred the direct mode. However, notwithstanding disbanding the executive officials and sending two different committees to conduct the exercise, Zamfara APC still found it difficult to conduct a primary acceptable to all.

Going forward, Yari’s camp organised an election supervised by security officials and others. But the Oshiomhole-led NEC rejected the results. To be fair to Oshiomhole, he clearly kicked against Governor Yari’s group but conceded ultimately – even when Yari was cursing him. Still Yari unendingly blames Oshiomhole for the muddle that caged APC in Zamfara, after INEC declared that the state’s APC has no candidates to field for the 2019 elections. As it is, last Friday’s apex court ruling has effectively buried APC in Zamfara. There is more.

In Imo State, the battle between Governor Rochas Okorocha Oshiomhole also flowed from the conduct of the governorship primaries in the state. Ahead of the primaries, Imo APC was divided into two. One camp was led by Okorocha and the other camp by his deputy, Chief Eze Madumere. Essentially, Okorocha plotted the emergence of his son-in-law, Henry Nwosu, to succeed him, while tactician Senator Hope Uzodinma was the leading aspirant on the other camp, which enjoyed the support of key party chieftains in the state.

The National Working Committee (NWC) dispatched a panel led by a former presidential aide, Ali Gulak, to conduct the election and thereafter controversially declared Uzodinma winner.

Curiously, after Gulak’s proclamation, eight members of his committee alongside the secretary, Henry Idahgbon, announced a separate result declaring Okorocha’s in-law, Nwosu, as the winner of the Imo APC governorship primary. Oshiomhole dismissed both results are fake only to U-turn later and accepted the result announced by Gulak. He said he turned his back on Okorocha because the governor wanted to use him to create a dynasty in Imo state. The rest is history.

Interestingly, as in other states, the association between Oshiomhole and Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State degenerated after the party’s governorship primary. Ogun State held two separate primaries, producing two candidates. While the state chairman of the party Derin Adebiyi declared Rep. Adekunle Akinlade winner, the panel sent by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party declared oil mogul Dapo Abiodun the winner. The Oshiomhole-led NWC upheld the election of Abiodun.

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu Ondo State’s main dispute with Oshiomhole was over the later’s alleged manipulation of the Ondo State legislative primaries in favour of those seen to be the core enemies of the governor. Flowing from this heated feud, parallel congresses were held from the two opposing camps. Oshiomhole, a Tinubu loyalist, allegedly simply identified the group opposed to Akeredolu and their names were forwarded to INEC as APC candidates in the 2019 elections.

Beyond unseemly confrontations with some governors belonging to his party, Oshiomhole also engaged in a war of words with Senate President Bukola Saraki who left the APC and returned to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). In his response to Oshiomhole’s position that Saraki lacked the moral right to remain president of the Senate, the former pointedly said Oshiomhole should also resign and even quit politics following unsubstantiated allegations that he accepted bribes during APC primaries. Clearly, Oshiomhole fought on many fronts – several quite needless.

Trailing the avoidable crises spawned by the outcome of the primaries, Oshimhole inaugurated six reconciliation committees that went round the six geo-political zones and attempted reconciliation of aggrieved party members. This, not surprisingly, failed woefully.

With all this happening, crisis seems to be brewing on Oshiomhole’s home state Edo, currently. He cannot deny this. It seems he does not want the Governor Obaseki returned. Significantly, in all states where there have been self-inflicted crises, the APC has lost. It’s certainly time for him to put his own state in order. He can’t afford to play the ostrich. This will also help to tone down the negative stakeholders’ perception of a national chair who covets imposition.

When Oshiomhole ascended the national party chairmanship of APC – a coalition of ideologically disparate bedfellows that morphed into a national party, he pledged to reposition the party and align it with 21st Century best practices. He also signaled a total break from the old way of doing things.

He moved for the enforcement of party supremacy, a feature that has curiously gone downhill since the wistful days of Chief Adisa Akinloye, then national chairman of the ruling National Party of Nigeria, NPN, under the Alhaji Shehu Shagari presidency in the Second Republic.

The Edo-born party administrator also made it clear that the era of petulant, rambunctious anti-party intrigues to achieve personal interests were over. Members of the APC, according to him, must submit to orderly, disciplined conduct and use prescribed channels to seek redress of any grievances.

But beyond famous pledges, an emerging consensus within the ruling party indicates that indeedgood party governance has about eight major characteristics. It is participatory, consensus oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive and follows the rule of law. It is also responsive to the present and future needs of the party. Deficits in these areas give rise to conflict in a party as were clearly experienced in the APC, leading to its loss of five and possibly more states.

Clearly, the position of national chairman of a ruling party, especially at a challenging period like today, requires leadership of a certain stature. After managing to oversee the reelection of President Muhammadu Buhari, many party stakeholders feel strongly that for the ruling APC to heal and strengthen its grip, a new national chairman, less imperious and controversial, is an imperative going forward.

Nothing new. That's what happens when nature calls a hardworking governor

The wicked shall never go unpunished. Thank God one of the heartless culprits have been arrested, the others will join him soon. Well done to the police. Our caring Gov should please keep the security forces on their toes.

I recall with so much nostalgia the glory days of Bendel in the sporting annals of our nation. Please the Gov should fast track the 20 mini-stadia project so that Edo will regain her lost pride and our youths will be meaningfully and profitable engaged.

everlymoore86:
This is the kind of headlines we need , not Bbn , kudos Mr Governor.

BBN, wasting Nigerians productive time and money!

Governor Obaseki, please increase this first phase to 5000 teachers so it can cover the 18 LGs adequately. Nice initiative though

God bless Oba Ewaure II
God bless Gov Obaseki
God bless Edo nation
Let us right the ills of the past and forge unitedly, as a people focused on positive endeavours

I love the fact that this is coming just in time for the rains. Timely intervention by the Edo govt.

All Christians in Nigeria must pray ceaselessly until Leah Sharibu is released.

I am loving the synergy between Edo state and the FG. We have never had it better. Well done Gov. Obaseki

Suniyamu:
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has commiserated with the government and people of Bauchi State, over the sudden passing of Senator Ali Wakili.

Senator Wakili, who died at the age of 58, represented Bauchi South Senatorial District, on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the Senate.

In his condolence message to the Governor of Bauchi State, Mohammed Abubakar, Obaseki said, “The Edo State Government commiserates with the people and government of Bauchi State over the death of Senator Ali Wakili, who until his death, represented the state in the National Assembly.”

He added, “The outpouring of goodwill messages from Nigerians across the country, since Senator Wakili’s death, is a testimony to the kind of life he led while on earth.”

Obaseki said that Wakili’s death is a loss to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State, noting, “the death of Wakili at a time the APC needs experienced members to consolidate its popularity across the country, is a great loss as we prepare for the 2019 general elections.”

The Edo State governor further said that the late senator will be greatly missed, as he extended his heartfelt condolences to the good people of Bauchi State.

RIP Senator Wakili

Which way Nigeria?

reachfestus:
It is so terrible the way Orbih handles himself and PDP affairs. His lack of nous and habitual uncouthness is such an embarrassment. Sponsoring a proper bill to the House of Assembly is really a very straightforward process. Yet he still managed to bungle it. SMH

Dan Orbih, RECEIVE SENSE

Are you surprised? It is very simple; you cannot give what you don't have.

reachfestus:
Oga why nauw, u dey vex o

No mind some ppl when refuse to receive sense.

WATCHOVER:
[s]All I can observe is foreigners commenting on what they don't know. Propaganda or not We the good people of Edo who have refused to sell our souls to the Evil broom waving party knows Orbih speaks the Truth. Orbih has always exposed Evil of APC in Edo.
When Oshio was planning to sell Edo house, and planning to turn Edo University Iyamo to his own private University, Uncompleted Hospital project Oshio made the world to feel is completed . Today what Orbih said then is what has become the reality on ground. As for the issue of Local government Election what PDP did was the best. It saved most of their candidates from embarking on Examination where script has already been marked before examination takes Place . Abeg #westandwithOrbih. Haters go ND Die[/s]

Sadly, it is people like you that have not learned anything from the PDP years in Edo State. You say APC is evil, yet align yourself with a devilish party and an unserious fellow like Orbih who half the time speaks like someone just let out of Uselu. APC is evil yet they have brought development to Edo state and Edo people unlike the bastardization of our senses and resources that thrived under PDP. What your PDP did during the LG elections was just to save their face from an outright loss because the verdict of Edo people was very obvious. APC has brought light to Edo State and the people have been liberated from PDP darkness. No right thinking person will go back to darkness after enjoying light. But not everybody is right thinking so I am not at all surprised by you and your likes.

freedomosjw:
Abeg make una let the guy rush work for d hotel o, na dat one pay am pass. PDP is dead

Abi o. Why waste money on a dead party

stefanweeks:
[s]How MB the upgrade go consume?

Another avenue of looting[/s]

Another commendable project by Gov. Obaseki. Consider the welfare of the masses who patronize these centres and how important accessibility to basic healthcare is.

Merciful Lord, it does not surprise me that you forget completely the sins of those who repent. I am not surprised that you remain faithful to those who hate and revile you. The mercy which pours forth from you fills the whole world. It was by your mercy that we were created, and by your mercy that you redeemed us by sending your Son. Your mercy is the light in which sinners find you and good people come back to you. Your mercy is everywhere, even in the depths of hell where you offer to forgive the tortured souls. Your justice is constantly tempered with mercy, so you refuse to punish us as we deserve. O mad Lover! It was not enough for you to take on our humanity; you had to die for us as well.