1st May, 2015
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Oyegun, on Thursday said recent happenings in the country had shown that politics could be played peacefully.
Oyegun said this while receiving a delegation of Former Governors Forum (FGF) at the APC national secretariat in Abuja.
According to him, Nigerians should be proud as the outcome of the general elections had taught political leaders a valuable lesson.
“The party would require the contribution of every single, well-intended head because the problem confronting us demands collective efforts to surmount.
“Nigeria is going through a peaceful democratic revolution, all that is happening in the country at present shows that politics do not have to be war,” he said.
He said APC would welcome a strong opposition in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to keep the incoming administration on its toes.
He said “PDP is part of Nigeria’s history” and the APC would be glad to have a formidable opposition party.
“For the PDP, they are part of the country’s history and history in the making. All they need to do is to go into retrospection.
“We will be glad to have a virile opposition. We want the PDP to be strong enough to be able to keep us on our toes,” Oyegun said.
The former Gov. Jim Nwobodo of Anambra State, who spoke for FGF, said politicians should learn to embrace one another and support whoever emerged winner at any election.
He expressed concern over the break-up of the Forum into two factions saying it was unnecessary.
“Nigerian leaders should learn to eschew bitterness in politics and to support whoever emerges victorious at an election.
“I really do not feel it is good for us to have two former governor’s forum. It is good to have a united body regardless of whichever party wins.
“There is no reason to have two parallel bodies representing governors of the APC and the PDP,” Nwobodo said.
He pledged support for the president-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, whom he described as “humble and principled” adding that the FGF would support Buhari when he assumes office in May 29.
Nwobodo also commended President Goodluck Jonathan for “his rare act of humility in conceding defeat at the polls thereby stemming the anticipated tension and crisis.”
Former Gov. Orji Uzor Kalu of Abia said the parties in opposition will take up the challenge posed by Oyegun and provide a strong and virile opposition in
the days ahead.
Also present were former governors Balarabe Musa, Ahmed Markarafi, Bukar Abba Ibrahim, Okwesilieze Nwodo, Fidelis Tapgun, Niyi Adabayo and Chinwoke Mbadinuju.
Also at the meeting were APC Women Leader, Hajia Ramatu Aliyu, National Auditor, Chief George Muoghalu, National Secretary, Mai Bala Buni, among others.