Oshiomhole declares bid to contest APC chairmanship

Adams Oshiomhole, former governor of Edo state, has declared his intention to contest the position of national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Oshiomhole made the declaration on Thursday at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

The ruling party’s elective convention is scheduled for June.

Speaking at the event, the former labour leader said he will not be used by anybody.

He also expressed gratitude to John Oyegun, current national chairman of APC, for leading the party to victory in 2015.

“It is right to appreciate the efforts of the sitting chairman, my own brother, my own elder but also my predecessor the first governor of Edo state John Odigie-Oyegun,” Oshiomhole said.

“I want to place on record my gratitude and my appreciation of the leadership he has provided. Whatever anybody wants to say I believe he chaired the party to victory in the 2015 election and history will record that in his favour along with other laudable things he has done to keep our party afloat up to this moment.

“I am seeking to contest for the same office based on the principle that in the 21st century, in the past the conservative notion was if it is not broken you don’t mend it but in the digital world anything and everything can be better.

“I am contesting not because I think it is a leadership failure, I am contesting because I think as it is expected in our constitution of our party and even of our country, democracy work better when from time to time new blood new ideas are allowed.”

Rochas Okorocha, governor of Imo, described Oshiomhole as a dogged fighter who would strengthen the party if elected.

The governor said the party needs “great minds” like Oshiomhole who would help the APC address its challenges.

“I decided to sneak in here to hear him and to see what is happening. I have no doubt that in my mind that Oshiomhole when elected will show the way. Oshiomhole’s coming in as national chairman of APC is bad news to other political parties,” Okorocha said.

“In 2014, I recall vividly how we formed this party, then he was a governor and we all sat down thinking of how to take power from the incumbent and it was not an easy task but I daresay to all of you that Adams Oshiomhole is a dogged fighter, a man who can face challenges and I have no doubt that he will strengthen APC when elected.

“Today our party is going through some challenges but I must commend those who held forth before this time, they have done well, but the challenges are greater and we need great minds like Adams Oshiomhole. Adams will help to strengthen APC in the south-south and south-east.

“As I speak to you today I am the only governor from the south-east who is in APC just like my brother Obaseki(Godwin) is from the south-south from APC.”