…By Larry John for TDPel Media.
Countdown Rally Raises Allegations
During a countdown rally held at Unity Fountain in Abuja, members of the National Working Committee (NWC) who were previously led by former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, spoke out about their sudden dismissal, suggesting that it was an effort to undermine the presidential aspirations of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
Former NWC officials, including Ntufam Hilliard Eta, the former Acting National Chairman of the party, voiced their concerns publicly for the first time since their removal from the party’s secretariat three years ago.
Among those present were past officials of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
No Grudges, but Seeking an Apology
Despite their dismissal, Eta emphasized that they hold no grudges against anyone but felt that President Muhammadu Buhari owed them an apology for the “unwarranted action.”
He revealed that the dissolution of the committee was incorrectly perceived as being linked to Tinubu’s campaign and a potential pathway to his presidential ambition following Buhari’s second term.
Confusion and Alleged Manipulations
Eta expressed confusion regarding the abrupt dissolution of the committee just two years into their originally intended four-year tenure.
He highlighted that while Tinubu had expressed his presidential ambitions, it did not justify the party’s decision to remove them.
Eta explained, “From privileged information, we gathered that the attempt to remove that NWC started immediately from the 2018 Convention.
Therefore, it would seem like Asiwaju was going to be favored more than other aspirants contesting for the presidency.
None of us was individually interviewed to find out whether Asiwaju was our preference or not.”
Sacrificed to Stop Tinubu
Eta alleged that they were sacrificed to prevent Tinubu from ascending to the presidency.
He claimed that the anti-Tinubu forces infiltrated and misled the Presidency, leading to the illegal dissolution of the NWC and the establishment of a Caretaker Committee.
They resorted to legal action to challenge this illegality but faced subsequent challenges.
Party Interests and Calls for Apology
Eta, along with former NWC National Organising Secretary, Emma Ibediro, argued that their dismissal was unjust, as it was based solely on the perception that they were working towards Tinubu’s presidential ambition.
Despite their grievances, they asserted that they always prioritized the party’s interests and chose not to pursue legal action.
In conclusion, Eta called on the outgoing president to acknowledge that he was poorly advised and to apologize to the 21-member committee for the difficulties they faced over the past three years.