... As Oshiomhole's aspirant's endorsement threatens ensuing peace
Kingsley Abavo (Managing Editor), Benin
The die is cast in Edo State as the All Progressives Congress (APC) goes into its Governorship election primary today; Saturday, 17 February, 2024 ahead of the September 21 election.
The Party which is trying to bounce back to power in the State, is however afflicted with conflicting interests already spoiling for war as it goes into the primary to pick its standard bearer.
It all started with the Adams Oshiomhole's manoeuvring with the appointment of the Prof. Julius Ihonvbere's committee in which only four aspirants scaled through.
This earlier raised dust which spread ominous clouds over the unity and fortune of the Party going into the Governorship election in the State.
In a bid to hold the Party together, the State Working Committee headed by an experienced politician; Jarrett Tenebe declared that a level playing field was being provided for all the aspirants to test their popularity according to the tenets of democracy.
As the push was gradually turning to shoving, the national screening committee also aligned with the State Working Committee; providing a level playing field for all the aspirants to test their popularity.
But barely 24 hours to the primary, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, one of the front liners; released a statement announcing his withdrawal from the contest citing personal reasons but painful he said.
Also, former deputy Governor, Lucky Imasuen is said to have thrown in the towel.
Both are said to have aligned themselves with the Party supremacy declaring their unwavering loyalty.
24 hours to the primary, Oshiomhole in a video widely trending on the social media space, was seen endorsing Dennis Idahosa for the Party ticket and directed his followers to go nominate his chosen in the exercise.
The former Governor and now Senator representing Edo North district at the upper chamber of the national Legislature, alleged that the endorsement of Idahosa was the clear directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This however has seriously provoked the entire leadership of the APC both at the State and national level. Also, the Party faithful.
They see this as an arrant affront at the collective will of the Party, and unbecoming of a leader at the level of the former national leader.
Also, as very undemocratic, against the dictates of democracy and resolve of the Party which severally assured of providing a level playing field for all of the aspirants to test their popularity.
He was consequently booed at the Party State Secretariat by members on Friday evening and told straight to his face, to either back out of his undemocratic act or face unpleasant consequences as reward.
Earlier in the week, husband of the Party's national women leader, Pius Alile also used his coalition: the Dr. Pius Alile Coalition to openly endorse Idahosa.
An act which many commentators interpreted to be a subtle endorsement of Idahosa by the national women leader; Mary Alile though she denied it later in a statement circulated on the social media.
As time progresses, there are signs however that the leadership of the Party; both national and State may be able to tame the situation.
Comments
Post a Comment