Oshiomhole's spokesman apologises for saying APC members are plotting to remove chairman over botched primaries

ALL Progressives Congress (APC) chairman Adams Oshiomhole has distanced himself from a statement issued by his media aide saying that some unnamed members of the party are plotting to pass a vote of no confidence against him over the recent primaries.

Over the last few weeks, the APC has been wracked with internal divisions as a result of its divisive gubernatorial and parliamentary primary elections. Across many states, there were complaints about some candidates being imposed on the party, especially by governors who ignored the results of the primaries and proceeded to forward the names of their preferred candidates to APC headquarters in Abuja.

In some states, the governors did not get their way as their candidates were not accepted by party delegates and Mr Oshiomhole has been blamed for not backing them. Unhappy with Mr Oshiomhole's refusal to back their candidates, several leading party members have called for his resignation, claiming the direct and indirect primary dichotomy was responsible for the unfavourable results.

Yesterday, Mr Oshiomhole's chief press secretary, Simon Egbebulem, had issued a statement stating that some of those not happy with the reforms being carried out by members of the current National Working Committee were plotting the chairman's removal. However, today, Mr Egbebulem, apologised for issuing the statement without  the permission of his principal, saying that Mr Oshiomhole enjoys a cordial relationship with all stakeholders of the party and will speak on the state of the party when there is the need to do so.

His statement read: “On Sunday, October 21, 2018, I issued a statement on alleged  plans by some stakeholders to move against the leadership of the Comrade Adams Oshiomhole led All Progressives Congress (APC). I want to state categorically that the statement was not authorised  by my principal, Comrade Oshiomhole  and I hereby withdraw the statement and I deeply regret the error.

“As APC chairman, Comrade Oshiomhole is enjoying the maximum support of stakeholders of the great party as shown by the reality on the ground. Comrade Oshiomhole will  speak on the issues affecting the party when there is the need to do so and meanwhile, he is busy giving leadership as the party girds its loins for the 2019 elections.”