APC chairmanship: Oshiomhole now sole candidate as Osunbor withdraws for him
From all indications, the coast is now clear and straight for the former Edo State governor and vibrant labour leader, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to become the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
First, current chairman, Chief John Oyegun who had wished to steer the ship of the party in the coming general election earlier dropped his ambition for second terms after the tenure elongation scheme collapsed.
Secondly and only this week, former Edo State Governor, Prof. Osarhiemen Osunbor, also announced his withdrawl from the race for the position of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the move was to enable him to support Adams Oshiomhole.
Osunbor had, during during a visit to the Oshiomhole Campaign Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, made it clear that Oshiomhole had what was required to lead the party to the next level.
Business Hilights Abuja Bureau chief gathered that Osunbor was accompanied by his wife and some of his supporters during the submission visit, stressing that the original decision to join the party chairmanship race was not meant to spite Oshiomhole as was being insinuated in some quarters.
In his words, “I came here especially in solidarity with my wife and I want to say that you have the experience and all it takes to lead APC. I want to state here that I never joined the race for chairmanship to fight you, never.
“I appreciate the relationship which has existed between your family and mine over the years. I do not want this to destroy our relationship. I am happy the President is with you and majority of our party leaders are with you and I have great respect for Mr. President.
“I am stepping down for you and to support you because you are my brother, my friend and a man that is well respected across the country.
“I believe that Edo State is lucky to have this situation and I can tell you that by Saturday, we may go for that election unopposed so that we will not go and start counting votes that will take us for too long. I congratulate you and I will work to ensure you succeed.”
Responding, the now sole candidate, Oshiomhole, said, “I think we have a huge challenge ahead after the convention and we will need people like Osunbor to assist. I am happy you decided to withdraw because somehow I was worried due to the relationship we have enjoyed over the years.”
