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Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Yekini Nabena, has raised the alarm that the ruling party might lose the gubernatorial elections in Kogi, Bayelsa, Edo, Ondo and Anambra states holding between this year and next on account of the protracted face-off between its National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole and his successor, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.
Deploring the row, which he stated was weakening the political during a chat with reporters in Abuja, the Bayelsa-born politician said information at his disposal revealed that the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was exploiting the crack to clinch the affected states.
He appealed to the combatants to put their personal interests aside for the interest of the party with a view to avoiding the looming doom.
The spokesman said Odigie-Oyegun, who he described as an elder statesman, should be seen making peace instead of adding “salt to the injury.”
He enjoined the party ex-chair to tell Governor Godwin Obaseki the “truth and not encourage illegality which is currently happening at the Edo State House of Assembly.”
His words: “The media exchange between our former and current national chairmen does not serve the interest of our party in any way. In fact, it is de-marketing and weakening the party when we should be consolidating ahead of the governorship elections in Kogi, Bayelsa, Ondo and Anambra states.
“The PDP is waiting in the wings to grab the governorship seats if we don’t put our house in order. In the interest of the party, our respected leaders, who also happen to be former governors of Edo State, must sheath their sword.”
On the leadership crises at the Bauchi and Edo Houses of Assembly, Nabena stated: “This is not an issue of politics. The party’s position is very clear that the right thing should be done not just in Bauchi State, which has a PDP governor, but also in Edo State, which has an APC governor. The respective houses must be transparently and properly convened in line with set rules and democratic standards.”
He, therefore, warned that the two feuding chieftains would be held responsible if PDP takes over Edo State next year.