NNPP Edo Central senatorial District Distance Self From Its Guber Candidate Azemenh
… Azemenh is strategically place to dismantle the party
The Edo Central Senatorial District of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has withdraw their support from its governorship candidate Pastor Azemenh Azenah for his persistent pattern of disruptive behavior.
In a press statement released by the party chapter and signed by the Vice Chairman and senatorial leader, Edo Central, Hon. Odiase Fidelis. The party said the actions of the gubernatorial candidate appears to be part of calculated effort to weaken the party from within, ensuring that the party do not pose a significant challenge to its political opponents.
The statement reads;
*PRESS RELEASE ON THE STAND OF NNPP EDO CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT*
I, Hon. Fidelis Odiase, and the entire Edo Central Senatorial District NNPP leaders and members, having carefully studied the body language and activities of Pastor Azemeh Azena since he became the governorship candidate of the party in Edo State and took over the administrative, executive, and governorship candidate role of NNPP in Edo State, have observed the following:
1. *He was sent to kill NNPP in Edo State.*
Given the persistent pattern of disruptive behavior exhibited by Pastor Azemeh Azena, it is our firm belief that he was strategically placed to dismantle the NNPP’s presence and influence in Edo State. His actions appear to be part of a calculated effort to weaken our party from within, ensuring that we do not pose a significant challenge to our political opponents. This tactic of internal destabilization is not uncommon in the political arena, and all evidence points to Pastor Azena being a willing participant in this scheme.
2. *He refused to work with the state party leadership and structures* .
One of the cornerstones of any successful political campaign is cohesion and cooperation among party members and leaders. Unfortunately, Pastor Azemeh Azena has consistently refused to collaborate with the state party leadership and structures. This refusal has created a significant rift within the party, hampering our ability to present a united front to the electorate. His disregard for the established party hierarchy and his unwillingness to align with the state leadership’s strategic plans are detrimental to our collective goals and ambitions.
3. *He is not ready for the election because he wants to sell out to a political party .*
Since his emergence as the governorship candidate of NNPP in Edo State, Pastor Azemeh Azena has exhibited a noticeable lack of commitment to the party’s electoral success. His actions suggest a deliberate attempt to undermine the party’s efforts, leading us to believe that his true intention is to sabotage NNPP from within and facilitate a transfer of support to the party he is selling to. This is not mere speculation; there have been numerous instances where his conduct and decisions have pointed toward this conclusion. His reluctance to engage with the electoral process, coupled with his visible associations with a particular political party member, raises significant concerns about his loyalty to NNPP.
4. *He is appointing campaign team members without the party’s input, thereby* *taking over the administrative role of the party in the state, which is termed administrative corruption.*
The unilateral appointments made by Pastor Azena to the campaign team without consulting the party’s leadership and members are indicative of his desire to centralize control and bypass democratic processes within the party. This usurpation of the party’s administrative functions undermines the foundational principles of transparency and collective decision-making. Such actions constitute administrative corruption, as they circumvent the party’s established mechanisms for governance and accountability. By sidelining the party in critical decision-making processes, Pastor Azena is effectively dismantling the democratic fabric of our organization.
5. *He is inaugurating the campaign council in his church office.*
The choice of venue for the inauguration of the campaign council is not just symbolic but also reflective of Pastor Azena’s disregard for party protocols and decorum. Holding such a significant event in his church office, rather than a neutral and officially sanctioned location, raises questions about his intentions and priorities. This decision not only blurs the lines between his personal and political life but also diminishes the professionalism and seriousness with which the campaign should be conducted. It further alienates party members who feel excluded from a process that should be inclusive and representative of the party as a whole.
6. *He single-handedly brought his deputy and still wanted to control the* *entire campaign council because of his hidden agenda.*
The selection of a deputy is a crucial aspect of any political campaign, requiring input from various stakeholders to ensure a balanced and effective leadership team. Pastor Azena’s unilateral decision to appoint his deputy without any consultation is a clear indication of his desire to exert unchecked control over the campaign. This move not only undermines the party’s democratic processes but also highlights his intent to consolidate power and push forward his hidden agenda. By controlling the campaign council, he effectively marginalizes other voices within the party, ensuring that his directives go unchallenged.
7. *All his activities constitute a gather-and-sell system.* *He wants to gather and sell the party to another as he has been seen several times* *hobnobbing with a particular Party allies and their governorship candidate.*
The pattern of behavior exhibited by Pastor Azena, particularly his frequent interactions with a particular Party allies and their governorship candidate, strongly suggests a gather-and-sell strategy. This involves consolidating resources and support within the NNPP, only to eventually sell out to a rival party. Such actions are not only a betrayal of the trust placed in him by NNPP members but also a gross violation of the ethical standards expected of any political leader. His activities have consistently pointed towards a covert plan to weaken NNPP’s position and transfer its support base to the party.
Given these observations, it is clear that Pastor Azemeh Azena does not have the best interests of NNPP at heart. His actions and decisions have consistently undermined the party’s unity, integrity, and electoral prospects. As leaders and members of the Edo Central Senatorial District NNPP, we have a responsibility to safeguard the party’s values and ensure that it remains true to its mission and vision.
OUR POSITION AND WAY FORWARD
In light of the aforementioned points, we, the leaders and members of the NNPP in the Edo Central Senatorial District, have reached a unanimous decision. We cannot, in good conscience, continue to support a candidate whose actions are diametrically opposed to the interests and principles of our party. Therefore, we hereby declare that we do not recognize Pastor Azemeh Azena as our candidate for the upcoming governorship election.
Instead, we have decided to extend our support to the most qualified candidate from other political parties in the governorship election scheduled for September 2024. This decision is not taken lightly but is deemed necessary to ensure that the values and aspirations of our members and supporters are upheld. We believe that this strategic move will enable us to align with a candidate who genuinely represents the interests of the people and is committed to the development and progress of Edo State.
CALL TO ACTION FOR NNPP MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS
We call on all NNPP members and supporters within the Edo Central Senatorial District and beyond to join us in this critical stand. It is imperative that we remain united and resolute in our commitment to the party’s core values. Let us channel our energies and resources towards supporting a candidate who embodies the principles of good governance, transparency, and accountability.
Our decision to support an alternative candidate is driven by our unwavering dedication to the betterment of Edo State and its people. We urge all party members to engage actively in this new direction and work collaboratively to ensure a successful outcome in the forthcoming election.
In conclusion, the leadership and members of the NNPP in the Edo Central Senatorial District have taken a principled stand against the detrimental actions of Pastor Azemeh Azena. Our decision to withdraw support from him and back a more suitable candidate from another party reflects our commitment to the ideals of democracy, integrity, and progress. We remain steadfast in our resolve to promote the best interests of Edo State and to uphold the values that NNPP stands for.
We thank all our members, supporters, and stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation in this matter. Together, we will continue to strive for a brighter and more prosperous future for Edo State.
Signed by:
Hon. Odiase Fidelis
NNPP State Vice Chairman and Leader, Edo Central Senatorial District
