In a startling revelation that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, has exposed a clandestine plot by prominent figures within the party to oust him from his leadership role. The alleged conspirators, including former Governors Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun, and Salihu Lukman, a former national vice chairman from the North-west, stand accused of orchestrating a campaign to forcefully remove Oshiomhole from the helm of the ruling party.
Oshiomhole laid bare the details of this purported power play during the launch of the book titled “APC and Transition Politics,” authored by Salihu Lukman, in an event held in Abuja on Tuesday, December 20, 2023. The former APC chairman did not mince words as he delved into the intense power struggles he faced with governors aligned with the ruling party.
The veteran politician, known for his outspoken demeanor, recounted the events surrounding his removal, alleging that Salihu Lukman, in collaboration with some governors, spearheaded an unlawful campaign against him, citing his unwavering efforts to establish party supremacy as the catalyst for the internal strife. Oshiomhole expressed his disappointment, revealing, “Lukman wrote several letters, dismissing my leadership without calling me. When you ride on the back of a tiger, there is only one destination.”
Oshiomhole went on to criticize Lukman’s appointment as undemocratic, asserting that he was not consulted despite being a former governor himself. He disclosed that attempts to seek a meeting with the governors were rebuffed, redirecting him to Imo House, where Lukman was present. Describing the meeting atmosphere, Oshiomhole remarked, “It felt as though I was in a military barrack.”
Despite the mounting tensions, Oshiomhole stood his ground, passionately defending his gubernatorial record. “None of you can lecture me about the power of a governor. Because I have been governor twice. Eight years uninterrupted,” he declared emphatically.
The former APC chairman also revealed heated exchanges with Kayode Fayemi, highlighting, “At a point, I told Fayemi, ‘You did a resit. You were elected, and by the second term, you lost. That means you failed.’ I did not do a resit, and you are lecturing me about power.”
In a final revelation, Oshiomhole disclosed that some governors accused him of working for his “paymaster in Lagos” and his “paymaster in Bourdillon,” implying a deep-seated rift within the party ranks.
This exposé by Oshiomhole raises questions about the internal dynamics and power struggles within the APC, hinting at a complex web of political intrigues that could have far-reaching implications for the party’s future. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the fallout from these revelations is likely to shape the narrative of the APC in the coming days and weeks.
