Prominent chieftains and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Ibadan North West local government area of Oyo State have rejected the inauguration of Mr Olusola Adekanbi as the party’s Chairman in their area.
Recently, APC Chairman in the state, Chief Moses Adeyemo, inaugurated chairmen for several local government areas. However, some APC chieftains in Ibadan North West have voiced their opposition to this inauguration.
These chieftains described the inauguration as an imposition and affirmed that Mr Rahmon Ojuolape should be recognised as the legitimate Chairman of the party in the local government area.
The APC chieftains made these declarations in a protest letter signed by Alhaji Biodun Adeleye, Alhaji Jelili Asukuna, Apostle Dada, Chief Segun Adeleke, Hon. Tajudeen Adelabu, Hon. Z.O. Adeosun, Elder Obisesan, Hon. Bolanle Gbadamosi, Hon. Funke Olanrewaju, Hon. Remi Ajanaku, Chief Isiaka Agboola, Hon. Johnson Gbadegesin, Elder Soji Williams, Hon. Kemi Laleru, Hon. Fausat Alabi, Hon. Alhaja Akintola, Alhaja Funmilayo Olabode, Chief Mrs. Funmilayo Olanrewaju.
The APC chieftains in the letter made available to journalists on Sunday, noted that the congress which produced Ojuolape, was conducted by Mr. Ajuwon Yusuff and Mr. Olaitan Petter and it was witnessed by representatives of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agents.
The APC chieftains, while speaking further, noted that failure to correct the error will jeapadise the chances of the party in the 2027 general elections.
The letter reads “We, the members of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibadan North WestLocal Government, are writing to express our strong rejection of the recently inaugurated local government chairman and executive members.
The faction led by Alhaji Adewolu Oluokun has dominated party structures with less than 25% of party followers, nominating Alhaji Remi Sodiq as local government ambassador and securing 75% of ward ambassadors, despite most having served over 12 years, contradicting party principles of rotation and inclusivity.
The congress was conducted by Mr. Ajuwon Yusuff and Mr. Olaitan Petter, who received only one list. The exercise was witnessed by INEC and DSS officials. Issues persist in wards 2, 3, 4, 7, and 11, with two different lists generated. Instead of harmonizing the lists, the faction leaders favored the minority list, using Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle’s influence.
“We warn that failure to address this issue may lead to further party setbacks, suspension of wards 2, 3, 4, 7, and 11 meetings and activities, suspension of local government meetings and activities. We request a thorough investigation into the congress proceedings, intervention to resolve ward-level issues, fair representation and inclusivity in party structures”.
But, Publicity Secretary of the party in the state, Mr Wasiu Olawale Sadare when contacted on Sunday, noted that he will investigate the matter.
Sadare noted that the party will take the necessary action on the allegations.
He said, “I have not heard it. I am hearing it for the first time. It is strange to me, but if you allow me to investigate the matter. I will find out what is happening there. Then the party can issue a release if the need arises”.
Nigerian Tribune