Southwest APC chides Makinde over 'wet e' statement

Taking an exception to the inciting statement, APC National Vice Chairman (Southwest), Dr. Isaacs Kekemeke, chided the governor for a shortfall in historical perception, pointing out the type First Republic politics that engendered tension is absent in the Southwest. 

He said Nigerians can testify that APC is working assiduously to retain power in the next election through the fulfilment of its campaign promises as reflected in the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Kekemeke said in a statement that the APC as a party and the federal administration it midwives do not subscribe to the emasculation of opposition  because democracy is incomplete without dissenting voices.

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However, he said APC, which welcomes constructive criticisms against the APC-led Federal Government, would also rightly object to cheap blacmail, prevarication and outright falsehood that one party system is being foisted on the country by the ruling party.

Kekemeke, a lawyer, said it is a figment of hyperactive imagination for any member of the opposition to insinuate one party state in a country where over 20 political parties are on the register of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He explained that while those in power today were once in the opposition, the wisdom that permitted them to navigate the difficult and challenging path to power is grossly lacking  in the current opposition arrowheads. 

He said there is nothing in the antecedents of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, an acclaimed democrat, to suggest an intolerance of opposition, recalling that at a time in the life of the Fourth Republic, he was the acknowledged opposition leader. 

Kekemeke decried the faulty strategy, lack of focus and laziness on the party of the oppostion figures, saying that they are attributing their woes to the ruling party instead of putting their house in order. 

He said APC will win in the Southwest and other parts of the country because it has an impressive scorecard, pointing out that the mobilisation for victory has started. 

Kekemeke said: "The reference to 'wet e' by the governor of Oyo State constitute a threat, a sort of incitement and a sign of desperation on the part of those who are becoming "partyless." They are wiping up emotions and sentiments because they face a perilous future. 

"Our party is a progressive party that has its taproots in the nooks and crannies of the Southwest. Our party is not a hurriedly borrowed platform by opposition leaders who lack a clarity of thought and visible direction. 

"Those inadvertently threatening 'wet e' or violence should redirect their energies to constructive criticisms and mobilisation of their parties and supporters ahead of proposed historic contests in 2027 instead of complaining about the imaginary rigging of an elections that are yet to be conducted.

"The allegation of plugging Nigeria into a one-party state is unfounded, malicious and devoid of reason. No basis can be found for it in law, history and logic. The 1999 Constitution is clear on the freedom of association and assembly. 

"Is the APC or Federal Government responsible for the inability of opposition leaders to resolve their intra-party leadership crises? Is APC responsible for the violation of court orders by the PDP? Is APC responsible for the act of borrowing a political party by the opposition gang that backfired?

"Even, last year, INEC registered two new parties. In a country of 21 parties, how can the allegation of one party system be proven? 

"APC is enlarging its coast and the opposition is shrinking, and in disarray. The difference is clear; it is the leadership; the vision, focus and performance." Opposition lack all of the above."