ADAMS Oshiomhole, immediate past Governor of Edo State, may have emerged unopposed as the new National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), but the party’s national convention held on Saturday at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja, was largely characterised by anger and violence.
Many observers say the development did not come as a surprise, especially given that the recently held state congresses were also marred by violence.
A video clip shared on twitter by Channels Television showed the two factions of the APC in Imo State – one loyal to Governor Rochas Okorocha, and the other loyal to his deputy, Eze Madumere, who has also announced his intention to run for the post of governor in 2019 – exchanging blows and throwing plastic chairs at one another.
According to the report, the free-for-all went on while President Muhammadu Buhari was delivering his speech.
Watch the video here:
SHAME OF A POLITICAL PARTY
APCEEEEEEEEE! #Retrogression
Buhari was totally disgraced today when his indisciplined party men started to fight while he was delivering his speech during the 2018 APC National Convention#APCNationalConventionpic.twitter.com/qtMNNUp5oh
— The Jonathanian (@The_Jonathanian) June 23, 2018
Many Nigerians took to twitter to express their disappointment at the general conduct of the event.
Lol, but how can APC delegates be exchanging blows at their National Convention while Mr. President is delivering his speech?
APC is a totally reckless party and an embarrassment to national decorum – if they can fight among themselves, how can they lead Nigeria into unity?
— Demola Olarewaju (@DemolaRewaju) June 23, 2018
Pictures from APC SUCCESSFUL National Convention today in Abuja.???? pic.twitter.com/nk8t9AjFBw
— Adetutu Balogun (@Tutsy22) June 23, 2018
During his speech at the convention, President Buhari said: “I want to assure everyone here that despite a few lingering issues with the congresses in some states, our great party will emerge stronger after this convention. The unresolved cases we have is the price we have to pay for success.”
Only time will tell how true Buhari’s statement will be.