APC Crisis: Oshiomhole Pledges Loyalty To Buhari, Accepts Fate
Scores sacked NWC high, appreciates party members
BY EDMOND ODOK, ABUJA – Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, says there is no need for any fuss about the recent dissolution of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
Comrade Oshiomhole said as a loyal party man, he has accepted in good faith all decisions taken at the hitherto contentious National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.
The former Edo State governor, said at a media briefing in Abuja that his time in office has been quite eventful and productive given what the sacked NWC, under his leadership, achieved for the ruling party.
He told journalists that in deference to President Muhammadu Buhari as the leader of the party and the NEC, his lawyers have been directed to withdraw all cases that are currently pending in court.
The immediate past APC National Chairman said he remains loyal to the party and President Buhari, saying; “Loyalty is put to test when the going is tough.”
The former Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) President stated that having been invited Mr President to reposition the APC, he and other members of the sacked NWC were duty-bound to honour him as the Party leader if, in his wisdom, he proposed and endorsed NEC’s resolutions aimed at moving the party forward.
Further explaining his emergence as the APC National Chairman, Comrade Oshiomhole said: “Mr President graciously invited me to run for the office of chairmanship of the party in 2018 precisely about two years ago. The President told me then that if we do not reform the APC, we can as well forget about the party.
“You know that reforms are challenging and it will entail taking difficult decisions. Mine has been a life of struggle and I accepted this and I believe I did my best. I am happy that at the end of the day, 2019 elections have come and gone thanks to Nigerian people, our President had more votes in 2019 than we had in 2015. We have more members in the Senate and House of Representatives.
Speaking for the first time since the leadership crisis spiralled out of control, Comrade Oshiomiole said he has no regret for all the actions taken while in office as the APC National chairman.
He rated the dissolved NWC high for its milestone achievements during his two years leadership, and attributed the modest successes recorded to the cooperation and support enjoyed from members of the NWC and other organs of the party.
The two term former governor of Edo State said: “I thought that it is important that I formally react to the recent events as it affects our party. We are all aware that on Thursday, a special NEC meeting was called and was attended by Mr President, governors, APC leadership of the two chambers of the national assembly and some other leaders of our party.
“At the end of the meeting as you all know, the National Working Committee was dissolved and accordingly, I cease to be the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).”
