APC is alive and well – South-South Leaders declare
Some frontline South-South leaders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday lavished praise on the National Chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun for broadening the vision of the APC beyond winning the presidency and majority of the states.
The leaders in a statement in Yenegoa, the Bayelsa State capital and signed by the leadre South-South Leaders Forum (SSLF), Dr. Uche Amadi applauded the national chairman for stopping selfish politicians from hijacking the ruling party and destroying the nation’s democracy.
According to them, “The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun is carrying out effectively the functions and duties of the office of the national chairman. He has done well. APC is a great political party, an institutional entity. The party has attracted competent and talented individuals in Nigeria” they said.
They also commended him for his inclusive style, greater transparency and openness in the affairs of the party.
“Chief John Odigie-Oyegun is doing what is best for the party. We thank him for the election of progressives across all parts of the country.”
The leaders said the claims by the suspended Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Comrade Timi Frank and his sponsors that the party is dead are baseless and untrue.
“APC is not dead. We do not need autopsy. The party is alive and well in the presidency, National Assembly, the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The party is strong and visible in Nigeria.”
Describing Frank’s comment as wrong and immature, the leaders said “the suspended deputy national publicity secretary and his sponsors had done a disservice to the ruling party.
“APC is not in trouble. The party is in power and has real political message for Nigerians. Its brand carries a lot that is positive. It is not losing any ground” the leaders said.
Emphasising Oyegun’s hatred for undemocratic tendencies, the leaders insisted that the party was not divided.
“APC is not walking wounded. It is not divided or in electoral trouble. It is not in a crisis of meaning, identity and trust.”
They urged Timi Frank to retract his comment. “Timi Frank and his sponsors are not democrats. They don’t care about the party. He and his sponsors want to destroy APC,” they added.
Patrick Okohue
