Former Edo State governor and ex-chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, has candidly revealed the party’s extensive financial maneuvers during the 2019 general elections.
Speaking at the launch of the book ‘APC and Transition Politics’ in Abuja, Oshiomhole disclosed that the APC National Working Committee (NWC)-led leadership spared no expense, spending billions to secure victories in key states.
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A staggering sum of N1.6 billion, according to Oshiomhole, was allocated to ensure triumph in the governorship elections of Kwara and Ogun states. Additionally, the APC played a pivotal role in the emergence of Hope Uzodimma as the governor of Imo State.
During the event, Oshiomhole highlighted the party’s commitment to its candidates, stating that N220 million was refunded to the APC treasury, representing contributions made by other candidates in the battle against the incumbent Kwara governor.
This financial strategy was, as Oshiomhole emphasized, a demonstration of the party’s determination to fight and win critical electoral battles.
The former governor detailed the distribution of funds to APC candidates, with senatorial and House of Representatives contenders receiving N20 million and N10 million each, respectively.
Importantly, the former Edo state governor underscored that these financial contributions were grants, not loans.
Oshiomhole’s account of the APC’s financial maneuvers extended to the support provided to governors facing rebellion within the party.
In Ogun, where a rebellious governor sought to use financial means, the APC reportedly raised N800 million from its coffers to support the governor, leading to a favorable outcome.
Oshiomhole Preaches Party Supremacy
The former APC chairman also expressed pride in the party’s financial support to reinforce the “Otoge agenda” in Kwara, resulting in the dismantling of the Saraki political dynasty. He clarified that this financial aid was not a loan but a grant from the APC treasury.
In conclusion, Oshiomhole justified the party’s substantial financial commitments, emphasizing that it was essential for candidates to recognize that party supremacy extended beyond providing a platform.
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Despite the notable financial contributions, Oshiomhole pointed out that certain aspects of the party’s innovative strategies were overlooked by Salihu Moh Lukman, the author of the book on APC and transition politics.
Oshiomhole’s revelations offer a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes financial dynamics of a major political party during a crucial election period, shedding light on the lengths to which the APC went to secure victories in 2019.
