The crisis rocking the All Progressive Congress party is worrisome—at least to the ordinary Nigerian. And the situation has become chaotic since the forced departure of Godwin Obaseki from their fold. Now despite the myriad of court cases; the gale of suspensions; the inability to address vacant official positions; the flurry of lopsided appointments, and not least the forced defections, the APC is now but a shadow of its former self. The once vibrant and awesome behemoth has vanished and Nigerians are now perhaps staring at the carcase. Their invincible aura has vanished.
The APC lacks leadership, no vision and apparently is disjointed and a comity of different warlords. There seems to be no binding laws or agreement in place; this may explain the botched succession plans unfolding. Now, we ask the vital question: where are the likes of Malam Nasir El-Rufai, Godswill Akpabio, Rotimi Amaechi and of the course the repressive generalissimo Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu? The APC can’t be marred in crisis with these political heavyweights hanging in the corner; the APC is not a fiefdom where different warlords—be it local or Arabian—struggle to assert their authority?
This a democratic setting guided by laws and credibility; what is all these tumultuous agitations about anyway? If it is for people, it shouldn’t have taken this ugly turn; if it is for advancement of the peoples welfare, it should have been done with decorum, fairness and justice. But now, according to the late Fela Anikulakpo Kuti, it is all about roforofo fight! Regrettably, only a few years back, the APC had mouthed “change” as their primary aim and Nigerians believed.
Not since the days of late Akin Omoboriowo in the NPN days have we seen such recourse to law courts. So disappointing, it has to take the intervention of the president for peace to reign. The APC leaders should teach Nigerians a new song: a song of security, patriotism, loyalty and honour. This is the least expected of them. They must not let Nigeria slip into anarchy; they must draw a line between rebellious elements and those ready to work; they must place Nigeria first in all their considerations.
As adults and responsible leaders, the conflicting court orders and suspensions must be an embarrassment to them. It is time for these henchmen to step in. We want to see more peaceful meetings in Bourdillion, Maitama and Asokoro. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, El-Rufai, Amaechi should not waste further precious time in resolving the crisis. They should place Nigeria first—not themselves and their pockets.
