Oyo APC warns against fractionalisation, urges more members to return

The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state has cautioned both existing and returning members to avoid actions capable of polarising the party.

The party said it remains committed to reconciliation, despite the recent return of former members who defected to Accord in 2022.

Last Friday, the main opposition party in the state welcomed back key figures who had previously left for the Accord Party in anticipation of the 2023 general election due to internal crises.

Notable returnees include Chief Adebayo Adelabu, gubernatorial candidate of the Accord Party (AP), and current Minister of Power, along with other prominent members.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the party urged remaining former members to reconsider their decision and return, discouraging them from staying with Accord or joining the ruling party based on past grievances.

“We do not want any of our people to remain outside the fence now that the storm is over. So, we are appealing to the concerned individuals who stayed away from the last Friday event to return home without further delay,” the statement emphasised.

The APC acknowledged the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and national chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje in supporting the reconciliation drive, facilitating the return of members who had abandoned the party over 18 months ago.

The statement further highlighted unity among stakeholders, including Senators, members of the House of Representatives, and the State House of Assembly, to strengthen the party for future challenges.

Returning members were cautioned against divisive tendencies, particularly parallel meetings, and disputes over executive committee positions.

The party stressed the agreement among all parties to work out modalities for addressing grey areas affecting integration and harmonious coexistence.

“The status quo is to be maintained across the 351 Wards and 33 LGAs until further notice.

“All the new or returning members need do is to report at their respective Ward meetings and make open announcements while none should be discriminated against based on past events”.

It concluded by noting residents’ dissatisfaction with the current PDP administration, accusing it of prioritising the sale of public properties to benefit privileged individuals engaged in illicit wealth acquisition and official corruption.