In a recent interview with Vangurd Newspaper, Chief Iyiola Ajani Omisore, the immediate past National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), revealed that the party spent approximately N9 billion on legal fees for 10,000 cases arising from its congresses.

Omisore, who served as a senator between 2003 and 2011 and was the Deputy Governor of Osun State from 1999 to 2003, discussed various issues concerning the party and the nation, including the 2022 APC presidential primary and the challenges faced by the party during its congresses.

Addressing the controversies surrounding the 2022 APC presidential primary, where then-National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu allegedly opposed the emergence of President Bola Tinubu as the candidate, Omisore stated that his mandate was to deliver the South-West for the presidency, which he successfully achieved. He emphasized that politics is about upholding one’s interest and delivering on objectives.

Omisore also shed light on the legal challenges faced by the APC during its congresses, stating that the party secretariat had a deficit of about N9 billion and was dealing with 10,000 court cases related to the congresses alone. He stressed the importance of conducting transparent primaries to minimize legal disputes and ensure the party’s success in the general elections.

Despite the numerous court cases, Omisore said the party had to move forward with its presidential convention, focusing on conducting a democratic process within the limited timeframe available. He noted that the APC’s transparency in its primaries contributed to its victory in the governorship elections.

Regarding the ongoing minimum wage negotiations, Omisore advised the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the government to find a resolution through engagement and negotiation. He emphasized that the government must consider the available resources and inflation trends while striving to provide a reasonable wage for workers.

As the nation grapples with various challenges, Omisore expressed optimism about Nigeria’s progress under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership. He highlighted the president’s efforts to engage with stakeholders, make bold decisions, and address issues such as poverty alleviation and power supply.