The lingering crisis that engulfed the ruling APC ahead of 2023 elections will serve as a litmus test whether the party will cross the political rubicon or not. It will also prepare the party to put its house in order. The leadership tussle will also expose the party’s weakness.
The crisis is believed to have started as the result of fall out between the suspended national chairman of the party, Adam Oshiomhole, and his former political godson, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state, who recently ditched the party and pitched his tent with the PDP. Prior to the dissolution of the national working committee (NWC), which paved the way for the emergency of Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe state as the chairman, caretaker committee, the ruling APC has been split into two, with parallel leaderships claiming legitimacy. The 18 members of the dissolved NWC rooted and picked late ex-governor of Oyo state Ajimobi, who was the vice chairman, South. After the hospitalisation of late Ajimobi, the NWC opted for Hilliard Eta as the acting chairman. However, in a commando style, Victor Giadom, who doubled as the deputy secretary, South emerged and insisted based on court order that he remained the legitimate acting chairman. Victor Giadom, an ally of Rotimi Amaechi minister of transportation immediately summoned an emergency NEC meeting. The meeting was said to have the blessings of Mr President.
The support Victor Giadom enjoyed from President Muhammadu Buhari had angered some vested interest group within the party. It seems there is an intense power play between the camp of National leader of APC, Bola Ahmed Tunubu, and other one lead by the likes of Amaechi, Fayemi and El-Rufai with each camp trying to outsmart each other in hijacking the party structures ahead of the 2023 general elections. The Director General of Progressive Governors Forum, Salihu Lukman, once raised an alarm over the looming party squabble and called for the dissolution of the NWC. Interestingly, the NWC has been dissolved and a caretaker committee constituted. With the caretaker committee appointed, the poser begging for answer remains: is the crisis rocking the party over? Ahead of national convention, one should expect alignment and realignment of political forces. Although, it was thought that the dissolved NWC might institute court case against their illegal dissolution, it seems the matter has been settled. The dissolved NWC have accepted their fate in good faith and promised never to challenge it. Even Bola Tinubu, who was accused of nursing a presidential ambition and hijacking the outgoing NWC, has accepted the decision and commended the NEC for taking the bull by the horns.
It is unarguable to state that political parties often experience internal wrangles from lack of internal democracy and power struggle between the dominant contending forces. In the build up to 2015 general election, the ruling PDP was enmeshed in zoning crisis. The once powerful political party in Africa was consumed by self inflicted crisis. After it suffered resounding defeat, the party was left licking its own wounds. Before and after the next convention, unless miracles come its way, the party will lose considerable members. With Buhari completing his last tenure, APC, which is the coalition of regional legacy parties, will never be the same again. Whatever is the case, the APC may overcome its challenges if it addresses the underlying causes of the crisis bordering on selfishness and injustice.
Ibrahim Mustapha Pambegua,Kaduna State.08169056963
