Obasanjo’s coalition adopts ADC to unseat Buhari in 2019
Governance must not be myopic, exclusive, says ex-leader Oyinlola dumps APC, resigns as NIMC chairman
FORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo’s Coalition for Nigeria Movement (CNM) has adopted African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the political platform to be deployed to unseat President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 general elections. Obasanjo on January 23, this year, had launched CNM with a scathing criticism of the current administration’s performance.
At a press conference in Abeokuta, Ogun State, yesterday, he said: “The leadership of the movement, after detailed consultations, bearing in mind the orientation, policies and direction of the movement, agreed to adopt ADC.”
He said: “In line with my clear position, which I have often repeated, the first phase of my job is done. I will not be a member of the party but pledge to keep alive and active on Nigerian and African issues and interests, and offer advice to any individual for the unity and development of the country.
“The grassroots involvement, which CNM has advocated, must be maintained consistently. Inclusiveness must take care of over 25 million Nigerians living with disabilities, so that they make meaningful contributions to societal discourse and development.”
On polls, he noted: “Primary elections should cease to be by delegates but by all card-carrying and financial members of the party within their constituencies.” He also advised the Senate to rid itself of corruption and make legislations relevant to
the country’s economic and social reality. “It must make laws to amend the constitution to have one electoral body for all elections in the country,” he said.
According to Obasanjo, “If we get the platform right, we will get the system right, particularly in running the government, which should be participatory and all- encompassing, not exclusive or discriminatory, but talent-hungry and talent- targeting for the good of the country.”
He said: “Governance must not be myopic, restrictive and limited to circle of tribe, friends and blood relations, but transparent, openminded and accommodating, seeking the best where the best can be found to achieve the best for the country.
“In all situations, let us stand for good leadership, good governance, all-round development and enduring and authentic value within our culture. If we get it right, our demography will be an asset and not a liability or indeed a disaster.”
He warned: “No former political party, movement, social or cultural organisation should claim sole ownership of the renewed ADC. In name, it is relatively old, but in establishment, organisation, membership, policies, programmes, orientation and focus, it is new. If this is not understood, accepted by all, “Nigerians are a very reand made the foundation silient people. They are great and pillar of the political paroptimists. They have investty, it will be starting on a very ed so much trust and hope in shaky foundation and will our democratic infrastrucsoon fall.” ture with very miserable reHe added: “I will advise othturns so far. As I stated ers to join this political platduring the launch of the form to usher in a new dawn CNM, our country must not for Nigeria, but I may not be continue to be condemned able to advise anybody to join to a four-year ritual of voting PDP or APC.” without results,” he said. CNM’S National Coordina“To get positive results, tor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyintherefore, we must get the lola, said the decision to join choice of leadership right. forces with ADC and other But the apple does not fall far like-minded political parties from its tree. Only credible, was taken to enthrone a new positive platforms can proset of youthful, knowledgeduce positive results. A tree able and goal-oriented leadconceived and nurtured in ership in the country. lies can only bear imaginary fruits,” he added.
Meanwhile, former Osun State governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Oyinlola communicated his decision to the leadership of the party through a letter received at the National Secretariat of the APC in Abuja yesterday.
He has also resigned as chairman of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). The resignation letter dated May 9, 2018 addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari, has been submitted to the presidency.