APC northern leaders back Oyegun over face-off with Tinubu

Some leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the North, on Tuesday, backed the national chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun in the cold war between him and Senator Bola Tinubu’

The latter had in a statement issued by the Tinubu Media Centre in Lagos on Sunday, called to question Oyegun’s credentials on progressive political inclination because of the way he handled the controversy over the governorship primary in Ondo State.

But joining the fray, the northern APC leaders lauded the leadership qualities of Oyegun, describing him as “a man of honour, integrity and dignity.”

In a statement by the chairman of APC United Front, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa and made available to Nigerian Tribune, the leaders described as laughable the calls  on Oyegun to resign as chairman of the APC by Tinubu and a couple of others, saying the world had seen a more progressive party under his dynamic leadership.

“Chief Odigie Oyegun is not under the influence of a powerful and sinister arm of government. He will never thwart the will of the people” the leaders said.

They praised him for his strategic roles in internal party governance and in the development and promulgation of party policy.

Listing intellectual depth, credible track record, futuristic vision and personal integrity as key requirements for a progressive leader, the leaders eulogised Oyegun for giving equal rights and opportunities to members of the APC regardless of status, class and affiliation.

“Leadership goes with creativity, sensitivity, compassion, innovation, courage, vision, character, competence, focus, passion, responsibility, self-discipline, service delivery and a very high dosage of patriotism. Oyegun is an embodiment of transparency and accountability” the statement said.

The leaders commended Oyegun for bringing about a more dynamic way of administering the affairs of the party, sacrificing his comfort to work tirelessly for the party and for allowing the wheel of democracy to run constitutionally.

“As a man with impeccable record in governance and party politics, Chief Odigie Oyegun will never derail from the path of honour.”

The leaders, who also thanked Nigerians at home and abroad for the confidence reposed on Oyegun, applauded him for the pragmatic steps taken to address the problems emanating from the party’s primaries in Ondo State.

“Oyegun is an honest and highly effective leader. He has built a reputation anchored on integrity over the years. He is a fountain of quality advice, inspiration, encouragement and hope. He deserves the biggest thanks for being a team player and using his undivided and thorough leadership style in growing the party” the leaders said.

Identifying his commitment to principle in the practice of politics, the rule of law and the best democratic tradition of fairness as some of the attributes that brought him into collusion with Tinubu and others, the leaders commended him for enriching the development journey of the party and the country.

The leaders described the decision of the Appeal Panel as selfish.

“Oyegun is honest, dedicated, committed, and God fearing. He is a consummate politician, proven administrator and a bridge builder. He is a man of honour, integrity and dignity” the statement said.

The leaders while describing Oyegun as a true democrat, a hard-working, progressive person and leader with credibility, character and calm advised him to continue with his good work.

The leaders, who also recalled the sterling performance of Oyegun during his days as governor of Edo State, said he has performed excellently in all the sectors in his current position as the national chairman of APC.