A Clash of Allegations: APC Osun Chapter Accuses Federal Lawmaker of Demarketing
The political landscape in Osun State witnessed a clash of opinions as the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) leveled accusations against a prominent federal lawmaker, alleging deliberate efforts to undermine the party’s image. The controversy stemmed from remarks made by Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), during the Ede Day celebrations. Ado-Doguwa, representing Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency of Kano State, was representing House Speaker Tajudeen Abass at the event. His comments, praising the developmental strides of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration, ignited a firestorm of criticism within the Osun APC.
The crux of the APC’s discontent lies in Ado-Doguwa’s apparent commendation of the PDP-led government in Osun State. The APC spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, characterized Ado-Doguwa’s remarks as "obnoxious, reckless, unguarded and repugnant," arguing that they served to diminish the APC’s standing among the Osun electorate. Olabisi questioned the lawmaker’s motives, wondering whether his intention was to deliberately undermine the APC, a party that had facilitated his political ascent. The Osun APC expressed concern that such pronouncements could jeopardize their efforts to present themselves as a viable alternative to the incumbent PDP administration.
The statement released by Olabisi questioned the appropriateness of Ado-Doguwa’s statements, given his role as a representative of the House Speaker. Olabisi argued that a lawmaker of Ado-Doguwa’s stature should exercise greater caution and avoid making statements that could be construed as partisan endorsements, especially while representing the Speaker at an official function. He stressed that such actions could inadvertently drag the Speaker into unnecessary controversy. The APC believes Ado-Doguwa’s behavior was not only detrimental to their party’s image but also a breach of decorum for a representative of the House Speaker.
The Osun APC amplified its concerns by calling for a thorough investigation into Ado-Doguwa’s conduct. The party urged both Speaker Abass and the national leadership of the APC to examine the lawmaker’s remarks and determine whether they constitute a deliberate attempt to sabotage the party’s efforts in Osun State. Olabisi emphasized the importance of maintaining party discipline and ensuring that individual actions do not undermine the collective goals of the APC. The call for an investigation signals the seriousness with which the Osun APC views this incident and their determination to address what they perceive as a direct challenge to their political ambitions within the state.
Beyond the immediate controversy surrounding Ado-Doguwa’s remarks, the incident highlights the complex political dynamics at play in Osun State. The APC’s strong reaction underscores the intensifying competition between the APC and the PDP as they vie for the support of the electorate. The APC’s accusations against Ado-Doguwa can be interpreted as a strategic move to discredit a perceived ally of the opposing party and to reinforce their own narrative of being the true champions of the people’s interests. The incident serves as a microcosm of the broader political struggles unfolding within the state.
The clash between the Osun APC and Ado-Doguwa serves as a reminder of the delicate balance that political figures must maintain when navigating partisan divides. The incident underscores the potential consequences of unguarded statements, particularly when made by individuals holding positions of influence. The controversy also highlights the ongoing power dynamics within political parties and the importance of maintaining party unity and discipline, especially in the lead-up to elections. The fallout from this incident is likely to continue shaping the political discourse in Osun State and could have implications for future electoral contests.
