The Rip in the Immediate Past The National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Comrade Adams Oshimhole, manifested itself on Friday afternoon when the group’s spokesman, Lanre Issa-Onilu, withdrew its membership in the damaged group.
Onilu said members of the ruling party must learn to subordinate their individual interests to those of the party so that party leaders can build the strong political party they want for the country. Onilu, who said he spoke in his own capacity, pointed out that his new position, which was a clear departure from that of the group, was shaped by deep reflection on recent events in the party.
Onilu’s statement in part reads: “President Muhammadu Buhari, together with our major party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), dissolved the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) on Thursday, the All Progressive Congress (APC). “I was not only a proud member of this organ, I was also the spokesman for the party.
It was a privilege to have the opportunity to serve under the ruling party of a government led by President Buhari. “However, with this statement I speak in my personal capacity and not for anyone or a group. “I thought about the events of the past few days and the outcome of the NEC meeting on Thursday and, as a party member, declared my support for the measures taken by the President.
“As the president said, the party was hanging dangerously on a cliff and, as expected, had to give way because the APC could not have continued this obvious path of destruction. “I therefore ask each member to look for the H.E. Mai Mala Buni, an experienced party administrator and other significant members of this committee, who are, of course, our compatriots as they begin the process of rebuilding our party to the level we all want.
“Our party has to be strong and really progressive. one that can give our government the support it needs to get more democratic dividends.
“We are all obliged to subordinate our individual interests to the collective interests of our government and our country. “The task of preserving President Muhammadu Buhari’s unprecedented legacy is non-negotiable.”