•••Faction Faults VP’S Declaration
Soji Ajibola
The declaration of the Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo and the National leader of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Bola Tinubu to run for Presidency in 2023 have further deepen the internal crisis in Oyo state chapter of the party.
The party whose internal crisis which has led to the emergence of two factional chairmen is further enmeshed in another crisis.
One of its factional chairmen, Alhaji Abul Gbadamosi, in an interview with our correspondent on Thursday faulted the declaration of Professor Osinbajo to vie for Presidency in 2023.
He said his declaration is aimed at causing disunity among the Yoruba race in order for a particular tribe to have its way in 2023.
He wondered why Professor Osinbajo should accept to carry out that kind of assignement with his political experience and exposure instead of working towards a common front for the Yoruba in 2023.
According to him, ‘How can you (Osinbajo) go and declare? Declare for what and to do what? The decision is unfair. We supposed to come together as a race and speak with one voice.
However, with the present development, how can we speak with one voice?
‘I don’t believe in that particular assignement which the Vice President has decided to carry out. The best thing for him is to have resigned rather than accepting this kind of assignment.
‘What we experienced in the first Republic between Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Ladoke Akintola is trying to play itself out again.
‘My candid advice is that if they want to use you to carry out a particular assignment, think very well and look towards you right and left before taking any decision.
There are many academicians in the Country. The choice of Professor Osinbajo is purely political.
But I can assure you the present development will not divide the party.
Also, a notable member of Mr Isaac Omodewu faction who preferred anonymity aligned himself with the decision of Professor Osinbajo.
He submitted that the Vice President has right like every other Nigerians to vie for any elective position
According to him, the party guidelines does not foreclose participation of any member.
As leaders of the party, we are supposed to be neutral on this matter. There is nothing like godfather or godson in the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or Electoral Act.