Politics
Oyo APC leaders kick against alleged ‘fake’ delegates’ list, boycott congress
Leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state have kicked against the alleged falsified delegates’ list for the position of the state party’s executive, boycotting the state congress billed for Saturday.
The APC leaders, who stated this at a press conference held at the Premier Hotel, Ibadan, also appealed to the national leadership of the party to postpone the state congress till an authentic delegates’ list is provided.
The press conference, had in attendance , former Sen. Ayo Adeseun, Chairman of the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), Prof. Adeolu Akande, the Minister of Youths and Sports, Sunday Dare, former senator Olufemi Lanlehin Olasunkanmi Tegbe, the 2019 flag bearer of the Party, Adebayo Adelabu, Fatai Ibikunle, former Oyo ALGON chairman, Prince Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye, Ex-Oyo SSG, Chief Sarafadeen Alli.
Federal lawmakers who attended the conference are Hon. Akeem Adeyemi, Hon. Shadipe Tolulope, former Oyo Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olagunju Ojo, Dr. Azeez Adeduntan, and Chief Adeniyi Akintola SAN who was represented among other prominent stakeholders in the state.
They specifically alleged that a serving senator and a former governor are responsible for the falsification of the delegates’ list.
Speaking on behalf of other stakeholders, Sen. Adeseun alleged that some dubious people have inserted fake delegates into the list brought from Abuja, calling on the National secretariat to produce a transparent unadulterated delegates ‘ list for the congress.
“Some dubious people have inserted fake delegates into the list brought from Abuja.
“Normally, when you have written an examination, you need to get results to know if you pass or fail . We did the first congress, we did not get its result. We held the second one, no result. They kept them all. They brought them altogether to us yesterday (Friday) for us to hold the State Congress. When we got the delegates’ list, we observed the list they brought it is fake and falsified. False names are in the list. When we held previous congresses, everyone of us mobilized people for them. When there is competition, each will bring out his or her people to test strength. But when the delegates list came out yesterday (Friday), those who have no supporters or followers are there. But those who have followers, their names are not there. They now say we should use the list for the state congress. This is not possible. In this state congress, we have agreed to go for consensus, but some elements in the party, have falsified the delegates ‘ list, they are now saying they don’t want consensus anymore”, Adeseun said.
“There is no way we will use falsified delegates’ list for the state congress. If they use the falsified delegates’ list to hijack party structure, can they use the same approach to win in the general elections?”, he questioned.
The APC stakeholders, who noted that those who have attained such high positions should be trustworthy and reliable, however, expressed disappointment that they are the ones behind the falsified, adulterated and fake delegates’ list, insisting that “party members and leaders in Oyo State are vehemently kicking against using such delegates’ list to conduct the state congress”.
“We are using this medium to appeal to the national leadership of our party, the suffering in Oyo State is too much. We don’t want to suffer again. The only way the suffering will not continue is to allow our party to conduct election and win. Our party was in government for eight years and brought unprecedented developments to the state. But with this step they are taking, they are working towards the defeat of the party”, Adeseun said.
The former senator recalled, “In 2018, there was crisis in our party, and it was polarised. That polarization led to the victory of the ruling party in Oyo State. Residents of the state are not happy with the current government.
“We now came together and decided to elect our party officers transparently but the former governor and the serving senator don’t want it that way.
“They should bring out the authentic list of ward and local government congresses. They should bring them out. If they do, we are ready for the congress. We cannot hold congress with falsified delegates’ list”, the leaders insisted.
The Oyo APC leaders, therefore called on the national leaders of the party to investigate and punish those responsible for the false list appropriately.
“The fact that in the past we never allowed people to be disciplined is the reasons we have this challenge.
“Progressives don’t behave that way. These hardcore ultra-conservatives have infiltrated our group and they are bringing their culture of hijacking into our party. We don’t want that. If you cannot conform with decency, they should go back to where they came from”.
”Two, on the individual involved, these are the people you all know. That is their stock-in-trade. That is their style of politics.
“We were all prepared for the state congress until yesterday morning (Friday) where the panel from Abuja came. We have been clamouring for the release of delegates’ list. In fact, many of us went to Abuja last week on this same issue to say you cannot have a congress where we don’t have delegates’ list. They promised to do something about it. And now the list came yesterday (Friday) and when opened it is just contraband.
“We are very confident that the top leadership of the party is probably not aware of what some people did around offices. So, when we put this one out and let the world see, we are confident that they would correct the anomaly.
“The state chairman of the party, issued a release yesterday (Friday). He is the custodian of the original. He knew what went to Abuja. He compared the copy he sent to Abuja with what came yesterday (Friday), shockingly, the list was falsified. We should suspend anything about the congress for now until we resolve that problem. So, if some people gather somewhere, they are just organizing a birthday party. If it is something that has to do with this party, unless we see a good, transparent, verified and verifiable list of delegates, there will be no congress”, they concluded.
The lawmaker representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency of Oyo State, Olafisoye Akinmoyede, has denied allegations of violence at the All Progressives Congress (APC) state secretariat, describing claims that he assaulted a party member as false and politically motivated.
An online platform, IMPARTNEWSNETWORK, had alleged that Akinmoyede assaulted one Gafar Oyebade during a meeting convened by the state chairman of the party, Alake Adeyemo, to resolve issues surrounding the executive list of the APC in Lagelu Local Government Area.
However, Akinmoyede, in a statement on Tuesday, said the meeting was peaceful and attended by key members of the state executive, including the chairman, deputy chairman, and secretary, who witnessed the proceedings.
He clarified that contrary to Oyebade’s claim of being the party secretary, the official list presented by the state leadership recognised him as the Public Relations Officer.
According to the lawmaker, following the clarification, the state executive directed the Lagelu Local Government chairman, Fatai Awoyoola, to proceed with the swearing-in of other party officials.
Akinmoyede also faulted attempts to link the incident with the 2019 killing of a former federal lawmaker, noting that a court of competent jurisdiction had already ruled on the matter.
He said, “In Suit No. I/70c/2019, delivered by Justice Mufutau Adegbola on January 23, 2020, all those accused were discharged and acquitted.”
The lawmaker expressed concern over what he described as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, alleging that Oyebade, a public school teacher under the Oyo State Government, should not be involved in partisan politics.
He described the allegation as a “recycled script” aimed at tarnishing his image ahead of political activities, urging constituents to remain calm.
Akinmoyede also called on journalists to verify information before publication and urged security agencies to take action against individuals who file false reports.
“These tactics surface every election cycle. Those behind them should learn to accept the outcomes of political processes. They failed before and will fail again. Power comes from God,” he added.
The lawmaker representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Olafisoye Akinmoyede, has denied allegations of assault levelled against him by a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagelu Local Government Area, Mr. Gafar Oyebade.
Akinmoyede described the allegation as “false” and “a lie taken too far,” insisting that no physical altercation occurred.
The denial was contained in a statement issued on Monday by his Legislative Aide, Dr. Isiaq Akintunde.
Oyebade had alleged that he was hospitalised following a confrontation during a meeting held at the office of the state party chairman in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, convened to resolve a leadership dispute in the local government.
But the federal lawmaker maintained that the meeting was peaceful and attended by top party officials.
“The meeting was convened to clarify Mr. Oyebade’s position within the local executive, and it was attended by the State Party Chairman, his deputy, the secretary, the publicity secretary, and other key state executives, all of whom witnessed the peaceful proceedings,” the statement read.
He added that contrary to Oyebade’s claim of being the party secretary, the official list presented by the Lagelu Local Government Party Chairman, Hon. Fatai Awoyoola, identified him as the Public Relations Officer.
According to Akinmoyede, the state executive thereafter directed Awoyoola to proceed with the swearing-in of the remaining members of the local government executive.
The lawmaker accused Oyebade of fabricating the allegation to advance political interests.
“I wonder why Mr. Gafar Oyebade, a secondary school teacher, would claim he was assaulted in the presence of the State Executive. This is an attempt to justify money allegedly collected from an aspirant to tarnish my image,” he said.
Akinmoyede further claimed that Oyebade was seen walking freely after the meeting and was not hospitalised as alleged.
He also raised concerns over Oyebade’s involvement in partisan politics, noting that civil servants are restricted from active participation in political activities.
The lawmaker called on security agencies and the media to investigate the incident at the party’s Oke-Ado office to ascertain the veracity of the claims.
Efforts to reach Oyebade for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
The lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, Aderemi Oseni, has declared his intention to contest the Oyo South Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.
Oseni made his aspiration known during a high-level meeting with the Ibarapa APC Elders’ and Leaders’ Forum, comprising the G9 and the expanded G64 caucus, held at the party secretariat in Eruwa, Ibarapa East Local Government Area, over the weekend.
The G9 and G64 groups consist of influential stakeholders drawn from Ibarapa East, Ibarapa Central, and Ibarapa North local government areas.
In a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the lawmaker expressed appreciation to the forum for their support and confidence in his leadership and vision.
He said his ambition to represent Oyo South Senatorial District was anchored on a determination to consolidate and expand his record of performance.
Oseni said, “This aspiration is not built on mere rhetoric, but on the continuity and expansion of a proven track record of quality representation and grassroots-oriented governance.”
While soliciting the support of party leaders, he described his ambition as a divine call to serve the people with renewed dedication.
According to him, “This is not a time for self-glory but a sacred responsibility to intensify efforts towards real development, bring more relief to our people and ensure inclusive governance.”
He pledged not to betray the trust reposed in him by party elders and faithful, stressing that his aspiration is rooted in progressive ideals and a genuine commitment to the development of the district.
Oseni also urged leaders in the zone to mobilise support towards delivering one million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the forthcoming election.
Speaking at the meeting, a leader from Ibarapa East, Chief Michael Morawo, lauded the lawmaker for delivering democratic dividends and strengthening the party structure. He added that Oseni has demonstrated commendable leadership through his performance, noting that his impact in stabilising the party within the constituency is evident.
Similarly, a former council chairman in Ibarapa Central, Chief Theophilus Adenrele, commended the lawmaker for not betraying the trust reposed in him. Also, a chieftain from Ibarapa North, Chief Francis Babalola, described Oseni as a humble leader committed to progressive ideals, dismissing speculations about his possible defection if he does not secure the governorship ticket.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the forum, Chief Timothy Jolaoso, said the lawmaker enjoys widespread grassroots acceptance that cuts across political divides.
Jolaoso said, “All indicators consistently point to Oseni as a candidate with acceptance that transcends party lines. He is not only capable but a man of deep faith with proven empathy for the downtrodden.”
He added, “He possesses the goodwill, financial strength, and public trust required for leadership.”
The elder statesman further noted that Oseni’s performance in the House of Representatives, alongside his role as Chairman of the FERMA Committee, underscores his competence and commitment to development.
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