Apc crisis the deal that saved oshiomhole
You're referring to the APC crisis that led to the "deal" that saved Adams Oshiomhole, the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In 2020, Oshiomhole was suspended by the APC's National Working Committee (NWC) over allegations of anti-party activities and gross misconduct. This was a result of a long-standing feud between Oshiomhole and some governors within the party, particularly those from the South-South and South-East regions.
The crisis began when Oshiomhole, who was seen as a strongman within the party, started to exert significant influence over the party's affairs, often bypassing the party's constitution and convention. This led to tensions between him and some governors, who felt that he was not respecting the party's internal democracy.
The final straw came when Oshiomhole allegedly interfered in the party's primary elections, leading to the emergence of some candidates who were not favored by the governors. This led to a mass defection of some governors and lawmakers from the APC to other parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In response to the crisis, the APC's NWC, led by its Chairman, Mai Mala Buni, suspended Oshiomhole and set up a committee to investigate the allegations against him. The committee, led by a former Governor of Ekiti State, John Kayode Fayemi, submitted its report, which recommended that Oshiomhole be expelled from the party.
However, just as it seemed that Oshiomhole's fate was sealed, a "deal" was struck between him and some powerful stakeholders within the party, including some governors and leaders from the North. According to reports, Oshiomhole agreed to step down as National Chairman and accept a lesser role within the party in exchange for his suspension being lifted and his expulsion being averted.
The "deal" was reportedly brokered by some influential leaders, including the President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, and the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello. Oshiomhole was said to have agreed to step down as National Chairman and accept a role as a Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters.
The "deal" was seen as a way for Oshiomhole to save face and maintain his influence within the party, while also allowing the party to move forward and heal from the crisis. However, the move was widely criticized by many within the party, who saw it as a betrayal of the party's constitution and a reward for Oshiomhole's alleged misdeeds.
In the end, Oshiomhole's suspension was lifted, and he was allowed to return to the party, albeit in a reduced capacity. The crisis, however, left a lasting impact on the party, with many members feeling that the party's internal democracy had been compromised and that Oshiomhole's influence had been allowed to continue unchecked.