APC Chieftain urges politicians to shun ego, prioritise collective interest

The Chairman, Caretaker Committee of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State, Mr Gboyega Famodun has urged politicians to shun ego, bickering, and internal wranglings within political parties for the collective good of the populace.

He made the call in Osogbo, the state capital while responding to questions on the misunderstanding between Governor Adegboyega Oyetola and former governor Rauf Aregbesola during “News Point”, a flagship program of the NUJ Correspondent Chapel, Osun State.

Famodun noted that the phenomenon whereby the incumbent always clashes with his immediate predecessor is becoming an African culture, sighting examples across African countries.

While expressing hope that the leaders in the APC will eventually settle the rift, he called on politicians to seek an ingenious way of settling misunderstandings and intra-party be rifts.

On the insinuations that trailed the movement of Senator Iyiola Omisore from the Social Democratic Party to the ruling All Progressives Congress, Famodun explained that the former governor did approve the alliance of the APC with Senator Omisore during the 2018 election that was won by Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.

“Aregbesola’s response was surprising. It is the fact that we solidified the union between our party and Omisore’s SDP under Aregbesola as governor. And after that, we even had to replace two APC House of Assembly candidates from Ife Central and East state constituencies with members of SDP to further cement the relationship.

“The head of our campaign office in Ile-Ife was Bashir Awotorebo, an ally of Omisore, and all of these happened under Aregbesola’s watch. Famodun said.

APC will win again

The Chairman said the giant strides being recorded by the party, particularly under the administration of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola’s administration will make it retain power beyond 2022.

He said the plethora of achievements of Oyetola has put Osun on a high pedestal and will earn him a second term in office, stressing that APC has delivered in all sectors, including health, security, economy, infrastructure, education, road and capital development.

“We have managed to rise up to the challenges confronting Osun State. We have made sure that the influx of people from parts of the state is curtailed. We ensure everyone has a good life. We rose to challenges by making sure Osun is habitable for all.

 “Cleanliness has been maintained in the state, making sure our environment is safe for all. Ambulance services have been saving lives. We have imparted so much than every other government in education. There is no state in the South-West that has the number of universities in our state.

 “In health, economy, road and youth empowerment, we have satisfied the yearnings of Osun people. What else can stop them (Osun people) from voting for us? We have done their biddings and have taken care of their essentials. They will retain us,” he maintained.

No fear of opposition

Famodun stated that the APC is not afraid of any opposition candidate in the 2022 governorship election.

Reacting to the reported statement by the National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus that PDP has adopted Senator Ademola Adeleke as the candidate of the party for the forthcoming election in Osun State, Famodun said APC is not afraid of any opposition candidate presented by PDP or any opposition party.

“Of course, we surely must have opposition at the poll. We can’t be returned unopposed; we must definitely contest with somebody. We are not intimidated by anybody endorsed by the PDP.” He maintained.

On those who have been calling for secession from some parts of the country, Famodun said separating Nigeria as a nation remains a difficult task.

He posited that Nigeria could only break when the former colonial masters and superpowers who are the major suppliers of weapons buy into the idea.

“Unless the colonialists who merged Nigeria into a nation return to dismantle Nigeria, it would remain difficult and tricky. But it’s obvious they aren’t interested in that project for now”, he said

Tinubu’s ambition

Also answering questions on the rumoured interest of the National Leader of the ruling party, Famodun said the National Leader, Bola Tinubu is qualified to contest the highest political office in the country and urged Nigerians to work in unity to support Tinubu if he eventually declares his interest to run for the office of president in 2023.

The APC chieftain said Tinubu deserves the support of members of the party owing to the immense contributions he has made for the enthronement of the party across the country both at the states and at the national level.

Zainab Sa’id