The All Progressive Congress (APC) responded to what it described as “antics and laughable allegations” from the People Democratic Party (PDP) in what appears to be an endless exchange of words between the two dominant parties in the country.
A declaration made on Saturday by the APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Lanre Issa-Onilu, questioned PDP’s worthiness as an opposition party. He accused the PDP of attempting to score political points on the rancour among some members of the governing group.
Internal struggle with a deputy national party chairman, Lawal Shuaibu, and other leaders demanding the resignation of party chairman Adams Oshiomhole within the APC governance has taken place.
Mr Issa-Onilu also referred to the PDP’s decision to back up aggrieved APC members for National Assembly leadership roles. However, despite the support, the candidates backed by the APC appeared as the Senate and House of Representatives presiding officers.
Many PDP legislators also overlooked the directive of their party and voted for the candidates chosen by the APC.
”The party that was sent into a state of shock following the outcome of the National Assembly election is now accusing APC of infighting. The accusation is coming from the PDP that failed to rally its members to support its own candidates for principal offices at the National Assembly. Perhaps, to the delusional PDP, it is a sign of division within our rank to successfully mobilize our members behind our candidates for the National Assembly election. In other words, PDP had proved ultimate unity within its rank with several of its members disregarding the directive to vote for its adopted candidates. Here you have a party wallowing in denial,” the spokesperson stated.
Mr Issa-Onilu claimed that Nigeria’s first 15 years of PDP governance created “odious practices such as looting, booty sharing, and power grabbing.” He commended the people of Nigeria for choosing the “change” represented by APC.
”Nigerians voted against these devious practices of PDP in 2015 and 2019 and opted for Change, which APC represents. We therefore call on the PDP to do better as opposition by engaging our party on issues of good governance and matters that would better the lives of the people. This is the least Nigerians expect from the main opposition party.”
”While the APC does not owe the PDP any explanation of the modalities for appointments, we assure Nigerians that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration would always appoint deserving individuals who share our progressive ideals and Change Agenda into positions,” he concluded.
