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Former members of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) have accused former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, of sidelining them from important appointments and elective positions at state and local government levels.
The CPC was founded by President Muhammadu Buhari and its former members, now in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), said unless proactive steps are taken by the national leadership of APC to put a stop to “intimidation, harassment and oppression” of their members, a wave of mass defection may soon hit the party in Edo state.
This was contained in a press release made available to reporters in Benin City.
“As the former members of the defunct CPC, we write to bring to the attention of President Muhammadu Buhari, the founder of CPC, and Chief John Oyegun, to appeal to the former Governor of Edo State to recognise the rights of former CPC members as bonafide members of APC in Edo state,” the statement read in part.
It said further that, “The whole world knew that APC was formed mainly by five political parties; CPC, ACN, ANPP, PDP and APGA. These parties are enjoying the benefits of this merger at the center. Oshiomhole has failed to replicate same in Edo state.”
Spokesman of the group, Chief F. Idehai, responding to claims of delibrate marginalisation of the former CPC members said, “In Owan East Local Government, despite the fact that we contested election in 2013, before the merger, no political appointment has been given to us under APC government in Edo state. Our contributions to the success of the party in every election was never rewarded by Adams Oshiomhole. It is such a dire situation. A situation that could best be described as intimidation, harassment and oppression.”
He said further, that, though Local Government elections have not been conducted in Edo state; the former ACN members in APC have taken over all the positions at all the Local Government Secretariats in Edo state, without leaving any for the former CPC members.
Idehai, described the experience of CPC members in Edo state as a complete case of Injustice and marginalisation.
He, however, said that for fairness, equity and justice to reign and for fraying nerves to be calmed, the position of Vice Chairman for all the Local Governments should go to members of defunct CPC in the state. He also wants at least one Councilorship position for CPC members in each LGA of the state.
He called on President Buhari, the National Chairman of the party and members of the National Assembly to ensure that CPC members in Owan East Local Government and other parts of the state, are protected and that what is due to them is given to them, in order to have a sense of belonging as APC members.
