ALL Progressives Congress (APC) governors have resolved to check the slide in their party by reconciling warring National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole and Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Some of the governors, it was learnt, have decided to sink their own differences with Oshiomhole in order to reconcile him and Obaseki in the party’s larger interest.
Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) and Babagana Zulum (Borno) are spearheading the peace move. Though seen as Oshiomhole loyalists, they are said to have convinced their colleagues on the need to close rank in the party’s interest, citing what happened in Zamfara and Rivers states in the last general elections. The party was disqualified from the governorship election in both states because of internal crisis.
The governors are working with some concerned party leaders and chieftains from the South-south to end the Edo crisis.
Their mission is to ensure that Obaseki’s second term does not hit the rocks in order not to split the party and allow the opposition to carry the day in the 2020 governorship poll in the state.
They are afraid that his face off with Oshiomhole may jeopardise his second term bid and endanger the party’s chances in the election. There have been calls from some quarters for Oshiomhole’s resignation because of the crisis.
The defection of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship election Pastor Osagie Ize-iyamu who Obaseki defeated in the 2016 governorship poll to APC is fueling talks that he may pick the ruling party’s ticket for the 2020 election.
Ize-Iyamu is believed to have the support of some allies of Oshiomhole. “Some allies of Oshiomhole have assured Ize-Iyamu of the ticket as a replacement for Obaseki,” a source said yesterday.
But the source added: “There are serious moves to end the crisis. Obaseki and Oshiomhole must be re-united. That is the only way to ensure peace in Edo. Many people, including some APC governors, have waded in. And it is not yet too late for the issue to be resolved.
“Following the series of meetings held in Abuja last week, I can categorically tell you that we have resolved to end the crises in the party and the one in Edo is very central to resolving many of the issues at hand. APC governors and other party leaders are in the forefront of the re-energised effort to end the rift.
“Those championing the new move are largely pro-Oshiomhole governors. They believe both Oshiomhole and Obaseki are crucial to the success of the party in the forthcoming governorship election in the state. They are also of the opinion that the issues between the two can be resolved in the interest of the party. More so, while they are strongly committed to ensuring that Oshiomhole remains in office as national chairman, they also see Obaseki as a brother governor who merely needs to be reconciled to his predecessor”.
We gathered that a reconciliation team has been raised and it is expected to meet Oshiomhole and Obaseki separately first, before inviting both of them for discussion. “They are both willing and ready for discussion and that will be done soon. The plan is to meet them separately first to hear their views afresh before engaging them in a peace meeting that will tackle all issues raised by both parties with a view to getting them to disagree to agree.
“Afterwards, supporters of both camps will be met and appeased. This is necessary to ensure the success of the efforts. For now, the plea is for all parties to stop every action and inaction that can further cause chaos. There is nothing too difficult to resolve just yet. People disagree. But once there is genuine and sincere effort to end such disagreement, all parties should give peace a chance,” the source said.