Oshiomhole, has dissociated himself from the new suit instituted by the
party’s former National Vice Chairman (South-South), Hilliard Eta,
challenging the dissolution of the National Working Committee, which he
chaired.
The former Edo State governor also said he wouldn’t accept APC
chairmanship if offered again.
This was contained in a statement titled, ‘My Position Has Not Changed,’
which he signed, on Monday.
The statement read in part, “In reporting the legal action taken by a
member of the dissolved National Working Committee of the APC, some
attributions have been made to the effect that the plaintiff is an ‘ally
of Oshiomhole’ or an “associate of Oshiomhole.” The court documents are
clear on who is the plaintiff.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the 21-member NWC under my leadership
mainly worked cohesively and harmoniously. The only exceptions were
those of the three members used by forces desperate to take control of
the party. They contrived a crisis and abused the judicial process to
undermine the constitution and integrity of the party.
“The majority of 18 members worked as a team and not as allies or
loyalists of anybody. When the National Executive Committee in its
wisdom dissolved the NWC, I immediately announced publicly that I
accepted the decision, regardless of its illegality or otherwise, as it
affected my position as national chairman.”
Oshiomhole further explained that he announced his decision not to
contest his removal from office for personal reasons, noting that some
of his colleagues in the dissolved NWC didn’t share his views with
regards to his decision not to contest the dissolution in court.
He, however, said, “I can only accept responsibility for my own
decision. Subsequently, I instructed my lawyers to withdraw the suits
challenging my purported suspension from office by the proxies of those
bent on removing me as chairman.”
Oshiomhole also stated, “That chapter of my political life is closed.
Even if another NEC decision or a court order reverses the dissolution,
with utmost humility, I will decline to return as APC chairman. I am
proud of the accomplishments of the NWC under my leadership, and I am
grateful to the principled 18 members who worked as a team committed to
the cause of the party.”