posted June 11, 2024
In a notable development that has rankled the hierarchy of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. John Mayaki, a loyal chieftain and media strategist of the party, declined the appointment as the Director of New Media for the APC Campaign Council for the 2024 governorship election in Edo State.
Renowned for his media expertise, Mayaki took a definitive step to nail his decision by exiting all social platforms of the APC in Edo State, which many observers have interpreted to mean his strong analytics of the seeming declining fortunes of APC since the controversial gubernatorial primaries that produced their standard flagbearer.
He expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s reward system, stating, “I am not going to support the APC candidate. That’s all. I don’t deceive myself.” This move has caused considerable concern within the APC hierarchy, as Mayaki has been a significant figure in defending and promoting the party.
The ebullient media strategist was alleged to have questioned the reward system in the APC for people like him who have put themselves in harm’s way defending the party without corresponding appreciation from the same party.
He was quoted to have made several posts on the Edo State APC WhatsApp platform, highlighting his obvious frustration with his party, asking somewhat; “Where was the party when I was dying in the hospital for three months? Do you see me as a person who needs the party to survive? Where was the party when Mike Igini instituted a N5B suit against me after the 2020 governorship election? Tell me, what has the party done for me?” he queried.
Known for his courageous and professional disposition, John Mayaki has communicated to APC leaders in Edo State that his decision to step down is firm and based on principle, not influenced by future rewards or patronage.
Currently, he is dedicated to promoting the activities of his new principal, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, the Honourable Minister of Niger Delta Development, without distractions.
For now, except he makes a new public statement, no one can say with exactitude what his next line of action would be. What is sure is that, his past criticisms of Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, which remains steadfast may influence his resolve on whether or not to support Obaseki’s preferred successor, the PDP gubernatorial candidate Mr. Asue Ighodalo.