The Progressives Governors Forum, PGF, has accused the sacked National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Adams Oshiomhole, of taking over the campaign of the party’s Candidate in the September 19, Governorship election in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu,
The umbrella body of all the APC Governors, in a statement on Friday, titled: ‘Progressive Politics – Which Way, APC?’ by its Director-General, DG, Dr. Salihu Lukeman, raised the alarm over what it described as the diminishing electoral value of the APC.
Lukeman expressed sadness that the dissolution of the Adams Oshimohole-led National Working Committee of the APC, had not solved the party’s diminishing electoral viability.
On the forthcoming elections in Edo and Ondo States, the PGF DG however, said that efforts being made by Governor Rotimi Akerodolu to reconcile with aggrieved party members and Leaders in Ondo State, were commendable.
He nonetheless, added that the reverse seemed to be the case in Edo State, saying that, rather than reconciliation, “loud drums of war” have taken over the airwaves in the State.
His words: “Comrade Oshiomhole has relocated to Edo State, and taken over the APC campaign, and the campaign is proceeding in a manner that suggests the Edo State Governorship election is an extension of the personal battle between the Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and Oshiomhole.
“The APC campaign is personalised around Comrade Oshiomhole, and the Candidate of the party, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, is an onlooker. The soundbite from the Edo APC campaign is so offensive, to the point where Comrade Oshiomhole appears to be disowning almost every APC (member) in Edo State, between 2016 and now.
“To that extent, it simply means Comrade Oshiomhole is disowning himself, which may be why he went on his knees begging the Edo people for forgiveness.”
“What is it that needs to be done to address the problem of diminishing electoral viability of the APC? Do our Leaders even agree that the APC is faced with the problem of diminishing electoral viability?
“This may be the problem, partly because, if our Leaders are unable to recognise that the APC is faced with the problem of diminishing electoral viability, then there is a big problem.”
