The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has said he will not join issues with the National Leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
He, however, said “most” of the allegations in the media report were “not true,” noting that the party would focus on the September 28 governorship election in Edo State, which he said was his “priority”.
Odigie-Oyegun said this on Monday in Benin in response to the call by the former Lagos State Governor for his removal.
According to him, Tinubu is a respected leader in the party, and he will have to consult with other party leaders before making a statement.
He said, “Asiwaju is a well respected leader of our party; so, I cannot be seen speaking evil against him. I have to consult properly with other leaders of the party before we make any definite statement. Again, you know we have a crucial election here in Edo, which is my priority right now.
“We do not want to lose focus and I know Asiwaju also wants us to win because we all have worked hard for this. So, maybe, after the election, if there is need, I will speak. If (there is) no need, I will relax. But all I can say now is that most of the things said in the papers about me are not true.”
Odigie-Oyegun stated that he had always believed in internal democracy and the credibility of primaries, which must be taken seriously.
The former Edo State governor added, “I believe that if primaries of parties are not credible, it may derail any democracy. So, I do not play with these things at all. Everybody knows me and I do not joke with my credibility and I have tried to maintain it.’’
“But maybe after Edo election, after we must have emerged victorious, we may speak on some of the issues raised. So, there is no problem at all.”
It was learnt that Odigie-Oyegun came under serious pressure on Monday not to respond to Tinubu’s call on him to resign as the APC National Chairman.
The outburst of Tinubu was said to have confirmed the internal wrangling in the ruling party.
However, Odigie-Oyegun, who was said to have been seriously jolted by Tinubu’s accusation, was said to have been prevailed on by some Ministers and Governors from the APC not to respond to Tinubu’s attack.
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