APC does not belong to Oshiomhole, says Obaseki, dares national chairman on expulsion from party

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has cautioned leaders and members of the proscribed Edo Peoples Movement (EPM) to desist from activities and statements capable of causing breakdown of law and order in the state.

He specifically warned former Governor Adams Oshiomhole to desist from what he described as provocative activities or he may be forced to invoke his powers to deal with him.

“We are warning the suspended national chairman that if he continues with his activities, I will show him that I am the governor of the state. When he was governor, he would not have tolerated the misbehavior he is exhibiting today.

“I have decided that if Oshiomhole comes to the state to disrupt activities of the party, we will deal with him. He stands suspended and in due course we will take appropriate action to expel him if he doesn’t behave well.

“The party does not belong to him (Oshiomhole), it belongs to all of us. It is the members that make the party supreme and not one individual,” he said.

Obaseki disclosed this at a meeting with chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the 18 council areas of the state.

The governor said anti-party activities carried out either by Oshiomhole or his allies in the EPM would be dealt with.

Obaseki also accused Oshiomhole of not supporting the APC, while he was governor of the state, noting, “If there was any regret, it would be Oshiomhole’s elevation to the position of National Chairman. My predecessor did not build the party in the state. With all the resources he had, he could not support the party.

“How can we be in power for 10 years and do not have our own party building. As I speak, we are looking for our own land so that we will build our secretariat.”

He continued, “I have authorised you to deal with anybody who wants to do anything contrary to the APC constitution. We will not allow destructive elements to destroy our party.

“The President has urged us to build the party from the base, so anyone who cannot comply with the party structure should leave,” he added.

Commending the party’s mobilisation committee for working hard to swell the ranks of the party, he assured local government chairmen of APC of his continued support.

Speaking, Chairman of APC in the state, Anselm Ojezua, said Governor Obaseki remained the people’s choice in the Edo 2020 governorship election.

He commended the governor and his deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu for supporting the party in terms of resources and spending time with members, noting that the gesture was unprecedented.

Convener of the meeting and Chairman of the Edo APC local governments chairmen, Ben Oghumu, said the forum was organised to commend Obaseki for his support for members at different party levels.