Daud Olatunji
In a revelation that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has disclosed the intricate financial strategies employed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to secure victories in multiple states during the 2019 general elections.
Speaking at the book launch of ‘APC and Transition Politics’ in Abuja, Oshiomhole detailed how the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC), under his leadership, spent billions of Naira to clinch victories in Kwara, Imo, and Ogun states.
The former labour leader highlighted that the APC’s NWC disbursed a staggering N1.6 billion to prosecute and win the governorship elections in Kwara and Ogun states.
He underscored the instrumental role the party played in the emergence of Hope Uzodimma as the governor of Imo State.
Oshiomhole further revealed that the party refunded N220 million contributed by other candidates in the Kwara governorship race, emphasizing the commitment to the must-win battle in Kwara.
Providing a breakdown of the financial support extended to candidates, Oshiomhole stated, “In Ogun, the governor who was rebelling against the party thought that he would use money, but we raised N800 million from the APC account to support that governor, and I am happy that he won.
We supported Hope Uzodimma, and I was happy that he won. All of them got between N500 million to N600 million.
We also gave in Taraba, but somehow, we lost that one.”
The former governor justified the party’s actions, asserting that the financial support provided to candidates was in the form of grants, not loans.
He emphasized the significance of demonstrating party supremacy beyond providing a platform, mentioning that governors were expected to fund states without APC governors through contributions.
Oshiomhole proudly claimed, “Our NWC for which I am proud, took the APC money, no governor contributed a dime to us, and managed our resources without going cap in hand.”
However, Oshiomhole did not shy away from criticizing subsequent APC leadership. He accused the Governor Mai Mala-Buni-led Caretaker Committee of squandering the savings left by his NWC in the party’s coffers.
He also alleged that the Abdullahi Adamu-led NWC generated more money than his regime but prioritized self-payment.
The book launch event saw the former governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, urging APC leaders to relay honest feedback to President Tinubu.
He emphasized the importance of recognizing individuals like Salihu Lukman as the conscience of the party.
In attendance at the launch were prominent figures, including the former governor of Osun State, Bisi Akande, the national chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and representatives of Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, former APC spokespersons, Bolaji Abdullahi and Lanre Issa-Onilu, and former VON DG, Osita Okechukwu, among others.
Salihu Moh Lukman, the author of ‘APC and Transition Politics,’ expressed his hope that the book would stimulate discussion within the party and contribute to its future success.
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