The embattled national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, has urged members of the National Working Committee (NWC) to put the recent challenges of the party behind them and forge ahead.
He said this on Tuesday, at the meeting of the NWC, which is the first that had in attendance pro-Oshiomhole and Anti-Oshiomhole in attendance.
Oshiomhole who was optimistic that the party will bounce back stronger and better, in a reconciliatory mood pointed out that “despite what we have passed through, this NWC is not divided.”
He said that the party may have gone through some challenges and disagreement, but the action and inaction of NWC members were not to destroy the party but for its progress.
Extending olive branch to his opponent, Oshiomhole admitted that he may not have been the best chairman, but pointed out that nobody can fault his sincerity of purpose stressing that in the interest of peace he was prepared to reconcile his style of leadership.
“I am the first to admit that I am not the best chairman in the world and I will never be. But no one can fault the sincerity of my purpose. My style can only be my style. But, I recognise that I must reconcile my style to others so that we can meet in the middle of the road.”
The chairman then commended President Muhammadu Buhari, for granting listening hears to those who approached him with a view to ensuring that our party remains on course.
He also expressed appreciation to the role APC Governors played in resolving the party crisis.
He said the attendance at the NWC meeting would shut the mouth of detractors who thought NWC members will be coming to fight. “I wear no boxing gloves. I wanted to wear complete white to send a message of peace. And, I think everybody came here with a good heart and may God see us through this moment. We are going to bounce back stronger and better.”
The chairman arrived the party Secretariat at about 12:50 pm to the waiting hands of some loyal party members, APC States Chairmen who came in solidarity with the chairmen. No fewer than 17 States Chairmen were on ground to welcome him.
On arrival, the chairman went straight into his office where he held a brief meeting with some loyal members of the NWC before moving into the Conference room of his office for the meeting.
The acting national Secretary, Chief Victor Giadom who arrived the Secretariat as early as 11:27 am had earlier packed his car at the parking space meant for the national secretary before he took the seat of the national secretary during the meeting as Arc. Waziri Bulama who was nominated for the post was not in attendance.
The National Deputy Chairman, North, Alhaji Lawan Shuaibu was equally absent at the meeting.
The pro-Oshiomhole NWC group at the meeting include, Chief Abiola Ajumobi, National Deputy Chairman, the National Vice Chairman, South-South, Prince Hillard Eta, national legal adviser, Babatunde Ogala, National Organising Secretary, Emma Ibiduro, National Publicity Secretary, Lanre Issa-Onilu, National Woman Leader, Salamatu Hassan Beiwa, Acting National Auditor, Paul Chuwkuma, National Treasurer, Abu Adamu Fanda, National Welfare Officer, Ibrahim Masari and Special (physically challenged) Leader, Misbau Didi.
The anti-Oshiomhole group at the meeting had, the acting National Secretary, Chief Victor Giadom, National Vice Chairman South-West, Pst. Bankole Oluwajana, National Vice Chairman, North East, Comrade Mustapha Salihu, Deputy Publicity Secretary, Mohammed Ibrahim, National Vice Chairman, North West, Inuwa Abdikkadir.
