2023: APC to embark on fresh membership registration as Oyo Unity Forum returns

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has resolved to carry out a fresh registration of party members which is expected to usher in a new leadership for the party as the break-away faction of the party in Oyo State – ‘The Unity Forum’, agreed to give peace a chance by returning into the fold of the mainstream APC.

It was also resolved that the party will soon hold congresses to elect new executives in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory and; thereafter hold a convention latest by January 2021, adding that this will afford the party ample time to sufficiently resolve political issues that might arise before 2023.

The leadership of the splinter group- Unity Forum who disclosed this on Thursday at a stakeholders meeting held at Premier Hotel, Ibadan also urged their supporters and other members of the party to see themselves as one, emphasizing that the need to come together is necessary to reclaim the Agodi Government House.

The meeting had in attendance Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Professor Adeolu Akande, former Minister of Communications, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, Senators Olufemi Lanlehin, Adesoji Akanbi, Ayo Adeseun and Alhaji Abu Gbadamosi .

Others included Chief Goke Oyetunji, Barrister Niyi Akintola, Alhaji Fatal Ibikunle, Honourables Saheed Fijabi, Bosun Oladele and Sunbo Olugbemi.

Representatives of the forum, Senators Ayo Adeseun, Olufemi Lanlehin and former Minister of Communications, Alhaji Adebayo Shittu who were at the various reconciliation meetings in Abuja gave account of the meetings with the National Reconciliation Committee. They enjoined all members of the APC to shun any action that could derail the peace initiative in the party.

Contained in the communiqué jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Communique Drafting  Committee, Alhaji Waheed Olajide and Professor Adeolu Akande respectively, the chieftains explained that all contentious issues within the party have been examined and resolved , urging members to work for the unity of the party.

The communiqué read, “members of the APC in Oyo State were implored to resolve their differences and work for the unity of the party.

“All contentious issues that led to the crisis in the party were examined and addressed.

“The members were informed that there would soon be fresh registration of all members at a date to be announced.

“They were informed that the party will soon hold congresses to elect new executives in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

” The party will thereafter hold a convention latest by January 2021.

“The two groups that attended the meeting with the committee were directed to nominate three (3) members each that will oversee the fresh registration of all members with the executive committee of the party.

“Another meeting of selected leaders and representatives of stakeholders in the party in Oyo State is scheduled to hold in Ibadan on Sunday September 20.2020. It will be hosted by Dr Kayode Fayemi, the Governor of Ekiti State”, the report continued.

The stakeholders deliberated over the communiqué and accepted all the proposals.

They, however mandated the representatives to the Abuja meetings to select the three members that will work with others on the fresh registration of members.