As the June 23 National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gets closer, individuals interested in posts within the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party have begun to engage in mind games and serious politicking.
Former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, who is the leading contender for the APC national chairmanship position, has described his opponents – Oserheimen Osunbor and Clement Ebiri – as “feather weights”.
Osunbor was elected as Edo State Governor in April 2007, but was sacked by the Court of Appeal sitting in Benin on November 11, 2008, and replaced by his closest challenger, Oshiomhole.
However, Oshiomhole said whether he wins the chairmanship seat or not will not prevent him from working to help the APC retain power in 2019.
But he expressed confidence in winning the chairmanship seat of the ruling party.
He said, “I am used to contestations and competition and I am a democrat. That was why I did not agree with those who said extend our tenure without election. I think democracy is problematic, but there is no better way to govern a people who are not children who should be spoon fed.
“In this business, it is not just what you do, not how it is done and who is involved in the doing. It is about participation. I am excited and the people are no strangers.
“At least, I know one (Osunbor) and we have contested against each other before. He rigged me out, I pursued him, won and retrieved the mandate from him. I went back to seek second term and I won. I defeated him even in his local government. I won 18 over 18, defeating him in his ward, his unit, his local government and Senatorial district.
“If I was able to defeat him as an ordinary union leader when they dismissed me that I was not a politician while he was already a senator and I was able to defeat him.
“Now as a man who has had the privilege to preside over the affairs of Nigeria Labour Congress nationwide, a two time Governor, if I have to compete with somebody who was governor for 18 months, I don’t have any problem.”
“As for the others, let me say that in a boxing ring, heavy weights don’t engage feather weights. But serious speaking, I am happy that we are in a democracy and people are free to contest. Quite frankly, the process is much more important than the outcome.
“I am satisfied not because I will be chairman, but because my party is in power. My commitment is not just for me to be chairman.
“Whether chairman or no chairman, I will continue to work hard to see that our party retain power at the Centre and also won power in many more states and produce many more senators, House of Representative members and more House of Assembly members so that we will have the strength we need to deepen the change and sustain the changes.”