APC needs fresh ideas ―Oshiomhole

FORMER Edo state governor, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole on Thursday formally declared an interest in the race for the office of national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC). It was a gathering of powerful forces within the party, giving illumination that his leadership of the party is a fait accompli.

From the Presidency was the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang; APC national vice- chairman, south-south, Honourable Hillard Eta; host governor, Godwin Obaseki, and Imo state governor and chairman of the All Progressives Governors’ Forum, Rochas Okorocha; former Bayelsa state governor, Chief Timiprieye Silva, Speaker Edo state House of Assembly, Kabiru Adjoto, Deputy Whip of the Senate, Senator Francis Alimikhena, amongst others.

In his speech, Comrade Oshiomhole acknowledged the contributions of both the former interim chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande, in nurturing the erstwhile main opposition party at its formative stage and equally lauded its incumbent chairman, Chief Odigie Oyegun, for leading the party to victory in the 2015 general elections.

“I also appreciate Chief Oyegun’s contributions. I want to place on record that whatever anybody will say, he led the party to victory.”
Explaining why he is in the race to lead the party, the former Edo state government declared that the party was in dire need of fresh ideas which he noted was absent.

“Having acknowledged that we have a sitting chairman, why am I seeking the office.?

“In this world, things can get better. I am contesting, not because I think there is a leadership failure, but democracy works better when new blood is given the opportunity to offer fresh ideas and build on the foundation laid.”

In an apparent reference to the alienation of certain stakeholders in the party, the aspirant promised to run and all-inclusive administration and address agitation for restoration of internal democracy.

He said: ” We will strive as much as humanly possible to promote internal democracy within the party. For me, I am clear that a political party is a structured, voluntary association and not an amorphous informal mob that is not governed by the mood of its leaders at various levels.

Therefore, APC must be seen to operate on the basis of its rules which is the party Constitution and other laws of the Federation, as they relate to the formation and administration of political parties. Indeed, the Constitution of the party is the basis of the contract between the party members. Thus a credible membership register is a pre-condition for sustainable internal party democracy.

“As governing party, founded on the values of social democracy, we must be seen to play politics of inclusion which encourages debates, contestations and consensus on policy choices. Under our leadership, we will give effect to article 25 of the APC’s Constitution which provides that National Convention of the party shall be held once in two years; National Executive Committee (NEC) every quarter and National Working Committee (NWC) once every month. In addition, we should be able to organise annual platforms to review not only the activities of the party but even of governments elected on the platform of the party at all levels.

“Similarly, other organs of the party including those at the zonal and state levels will be encouraged to meet as stipulated by the Constitution. In this way, there will be a bottom-up approach to internal democracy within the party from unit to ward to local government to state to zonal and national levels. These meetings will be dedicated to issues of party management, mobilisation and policy debates. Once the National Working Committee leads by example, it will have not only constitutional powers but the moral authority to compel all other organs of the party to toe the line. Conversely, when the head is right and the direction is clear, every other person will behave responsibly and appropriately.

“We will endeavour to ensure that the party conventions beyond elections also seeks to discuss development, governance and policy issues. Also, we will organise activities at regular intervals across the six geopolitical zones where issues and challenges facing the polity, economy and society will be discussed by party leadership and elected and appointed officials, and members. ”

Adding his voice to the cold war between the Presidency and the National Assembly, Oshiomhole indicted the party national working committee, as he submitted that “it was the responsibility of the party leadership to ensure that the government remains focused and interdependent of each other. It is our irreducible duty to ensure that both the executive and legislature find a common ground to work together. ”

The aspirant dismissed the insinuation that he was being sponsored by a certain leader of the party to fester the latter’s interest.

“I want to assure our leaders and our overall leader, President Muhammadu Buhari and leaders of National Assembly and our governors that I am clear on what my task will be if elected. I want to be of help to those who need help but I am not capable of being used.”

In his goodwill message, Governor Okorocha said the service of the former Edo state governor was needed to inspire the confidence of party faithful and strengthen it ahead of 2019 general elections. He also expressed confidence that the aspirant, if elected, would strengthen the APC in the southeast and South-south geopolitical zones.

The Imo state governor further restated the resolve of his colleagues to throw their weight behind Comrade Oshiomhole ambition
“He is a bad news to other political parties. I have no doubt that he will strengthen rough edges if elected. He will help to straighten APC in south-southoutheast. We have challenges in the two zones for reasons not far-fetched, due to reasons that are myopic. He will strengthen the party in the two zones.

“All my colleagues, the governors of APC, Oshiomhole is our project and I want to tell you that we are with him. PDP is making so much noise now, but they will soon keep silent. The only silencer is Oshiomhole.”