The former Edo State Governor Com Adams Oshiomhole looks set to assume the leadership of the ruling All Progressive Congress as the only challenger to the exalted party post, Clement Ebiri has stepped down.
In a statement he released and signed, Ebiri said “Following deep consultations with my family, friends, and associates, party leaders and stakeholders in the progress of our great party, the All Progressive Congress, I have decided to withdraw my candidacy from the race for the National Chairmanship of the APC. The decision has been taken in what I consider to be the overall best interest of the party and my belief that all stakeholders must row in the same rancor free direction as we approach general election in a few months.”
Clement Ebiri, a former Cross River state governor and chieftain of the party has enjoyed the support of the current APC National Chairman Chief Odigie Oyegun who tips him to become his successor, slugging it out with Com Adams Oshiomhole.
President Muhammadu Buhari with some state governors had also pitched his tent with Com Adams Oshiomhole, who many persons believed is better suited for the position of the Party Chairman.
It will be recalled the Chairmanship of the party had been zoned to the South South region of the country.
The decision to step down from the race, as gathered by our reporter,may not be unconnected with the fact the it is rather becoming a no-contest for Adams Oshiomhole as he enjoys the full support of the President who unlike the situation with the leadership of the National Assembly is very much interested in the leadership of the party. Party leaders especially state Governors seems to be aligning with this fact as they do not want to be seen as being against the President’s wishes.
With the coast clear for the Chairmanship position, the upcoming National Convention to be held on Saturday 23rd of June is set to be about the contest for the available Forty-two (42) positions.
Report by Victor Alagogooko for IbadanCity Announcer
