The supremacy contest between factional delegates from Imo state loyal to Governor Rochas Okorocha and his Deputy, Eze Madumere/Osita Izunaso faction practically delayed conclusion of the APC national convention till Sunday.
Both groups fielded candidates for the post of National Organizing Secretary with the incumbent, Osita Izunaso refusing to bulge and Okorocha’s candidate refusing to step down too despite pleas by party leaders, especially those from Southeast, for both factions to reach an amicable settlement.
The party was also at a loss on how voting can take place by Imo delegates when both factions are present at the convention and claiming to be the authentic state executive while using huge connections to Aso Rock, Governors and outgoing party leadership to influence decision-making.
Party leaders, political office holders, security men, journalists and delegates were kept stranded as efforts while making effort to finally resolve the issue.
Both factions had since Saturday, when the convention kicked-off, embarked on a free-for-all-fight on who is the recognized faction in Imo state.
Buhari promises Nigerians better deal
For President Muhammadu Buhari, the convention venue was an avenue to assured that Nigerians that it the days to come his party has resolved to give Nigerians a better deal.
The President also said that with the emergence of the new party leadership, Nigerians should expect to see more development, adding the country will be taken to greater heights.
As Tinubu disparages ex-President Obasanjo
For written an open letter to President Buhari, where he declared not to support the second term ambition of the president, former Lagos state governor and the national leader of the APC, Bola Hammed Tinubu, descended on former President Olusegun Obasanjo and called him names.
Tinubu took the podium to described Obasanjo as an “election rigger a busybody” politician.
“I remember one uncle back then who had being a general himself and who had being an elected president, I call him election rigger, he had the effrontery to say Buhari must not run again, in which party? Thank God he is not a member of our party.
“We hold our future in our hands, so what is your business busybody? Unfortunately he has torn the card of his previous party, so he does not have one anymore. They say I should not follow this man. Thank you Muhammadu Buhari for the work you are doing,” Tinubu said.
The APC national leader also said that APC has shown internal democratic process in its change of leadership that was not marred with violence, adding that contrary to the assertion of naysayers, the party did not “explode” at the convention.
“We have changed leaders of our party – not at gun point. Ask Audu Ogbeh. Thank God we have been able to stop looting and abuse of power,” Tinubu said.
You can’t leave APC, Oshiomohle tells the aggrieved
The new national chairman first remark after his coronation vould be said to be a consolation to all the aggrieved members of the party, most especially the nPDP.
Oshiomohle assured that his leadership willl resume work to commence tackling some of the challenges confronting the party.
He also assured all the aggrieved members that his leadership will put in place conflict resolution mechanism which will prevent excavations of crisis.
Specifically, the new national chairman called for effective reward system for the members who have worked for the success of the party at all levels.
Give us Justice, Saraki, Dogara demand
For the Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker Yakubu Dogara, who are known members of nPDP, the issue of justice even to the least member of the party is important.
In his remarks, the Senate President said it is the responsibility of leadership to address challenges, urging the party not to pretend that there were no challenges to be addressed.
“Intention of all of us is to make Nigeria better,” Saraki said.
For him, Speaker of House of Representatives who expressed confidence in leadership of Comrade Adams Oshiomohle, demanded that justice should be done to all and sundry in APC.
“One issue that I want him to duel with is the issue of justice… It is important for the new leadership of the party to create room for the weak and embrace justice,” Dogara stated.
Conclusion
The APC national convention might have however, come and gone but the task of addressing some of the issues arising from the said meeting will definitely be a challenge to Comrade Oshiomohle led NWC in the days to come.
