Conflict between Oyegun, Oshiomhole Weakening APC, Says Nabena ...Laments that PDP taking advantage of party crisis

Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Yekini Nabena, has lamented that the public squabble between the former National Chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, and his successor, Adams Oshiomhole, is weakening the party ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.

Against this background, he called on the two leaders to put their personal interest aside for the sake of the party.

Nabena stated this while speaking with journalists on Tuesday in Abuja, stressing that he was aware of the plans by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)  to exploit the fight between the party leaders to win the governorship elections in Kogi, Bayelsa, Edo, Ondo and Anambra States coming up between 2019 and 2020.

He said Oyegun, as an elder statesman, should be seen making peace for political interests not adding 'salt to injury’.

According to him, "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 instead of consolidating it ahead of governorship elections in Kogi, Bayelsa, Ondo and Anambra States.

"The PDP is waiting in the flanks 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 swords.”

Nebena, however, warned that the two leaders would be held responsible if PDP is allowed to take advantage of the current situation and take over Edo State in the next governorship election.

Speaking on the controversies that have trailed the Bauchi and Edo State Houses of Assembly, Nabena said: “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 of Assembly must be transparently and properly convened in line with set rules and democratic standards."

"I understand that the PDP which has been buried in Edo State is planning to take advantage of the current situation. If that is a dream, they should continue, but our leaders too must give peace a chance and not allow the evil dream to come true."