Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Umar Audu
Published on 2024-02-23 13:31:59
Former Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi, has accused the Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, of preparing grounds for the All Progressives Congress, APC, to lose the forthcoming governorship election in Edo State. He accused Mr Oshiomhole of playing a “disruptive” role during the primary election, which was cancelled by the national leadership of the party. In a statement signed by his media aide, Ahmad Sajoh, the former governor alleged that Mr Oshiomhole was instrumental in ousting Governor Godwin Obaseki during the buildup to the 2020 gubernatorial poll in the state. He, however, commended the party hierarchy for cancelling the election primaries which produced the preferred candidate of the former Edo State Governor, Dennis Idahosa.
“Earlier, Oshiomhole had attempted to eliminate some aspirants from contesting the primaries but failed. This is reminiscent of his high-handedness as national chairman when he manipulatively schemed Governor Godwin Obaseki out of the electoral process. That action led to the unfortunate loss of Edo State by the APC. “It would appear the ground was being prepared by Oshiomhole yet again for the APC to lose the coming election in Edo State because of his unconscionable behaviour. However, the party has demonstrated independence and impartiality in cancelling and reordering the primaries. We hope the fresh primaries will now take place in an atmosphere deemed free and fair by all, for the sake of our great party. Oshiomhole may decide to support any of the aspirants if he chooses not to be neutral, but the process must be open, free, and transparent, following the rules. My interest is the APC, and the party must put its best foot forward in the forthcoming elections.”
These allegations and counter-allegations within the APC have raised concerns about the internal party dynamics and the potential impact on the upcoming elections in Edo State. The power struggle and infighting within the party threaten to undermine its prospects in the election. The cancellation of the primary election due to alleged disruptive activities indicates a lack of cohesion and unity within the party leadership.
The role of Adams Oshiomhole, a prominent figure within the APC, has come under scrutiny, with allegations of manipulative and high-handed behavior. The accusations made by Kayode Fayemi highlight the internal divisions and power struggles within the party, which could have consequences for its electoral performance. The need for unity and transparency within the party is crucial to ensure a fair and credible primary election process.
The decision of the party hierarchy to cancel and reorder the primaries reflects an effort to address the concerns raised by Kayode Fayemi and to uphold the integrity of the electoral process. It is imperative for the party to conduct the fresh primaries in a manner that is free, fair, and transparent, in order to restore confidence and promote unity within the party.
As the election approaches, the APC must prioritize internal cohesion and demonstrate its commitment to democratic principles. The party’s ability to address internal dissent and ensure a level playing field for all aspirants will be essential in securing a successful outcome in the election. The allegations and disputes within the party must be resolved through a transparent and inclusive process, in order to maintain the credibility of the party and its electoral prospects.
The upcoming election in Edo State presents a significant test for the APC, and it is essential for the party to present a united front and uphold the principles of democracy. The allegations of disruptive and manipulative behavior within the party highlight the challenges of internal cohesion and transparency. The party must work to address these concerns and promote a fair and inclusive electoral process to secure the support of the electorate in Edo State. The outcome of the election will depend on the party’s ability to navigate its internal divisions and present a united and credible platform for the electorate.
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