Chairman Oyo State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajiboye Isaac Omodewu, yesterday, appealed to  members of the party to give peace a chance and face the common enemy, which is how to oust the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the coming 2023 governorship election.

Omodewu, in an exclusive with The Guardian via telephone conversation, disclosed he had extended hands of reconciliation to former Minister of Communications, Alhaji Adebayo Shittu, Senator Ayo Adeseun, former Secretary to State Government (SSG), Sharafa Ali, leader of the Unity Forum, Fatai Ibikunle and others, seeking their support and understanding on how to move the party forward.

He said, “I can tell you categorically that there is serious underground reconciliation moves ongoing and I have been having successful meetings with several stakeholders with the knowledge of the national body in Abuja and they are all showing understanding.”

Omodewu also appealed to the media in Oyo State not to allow itself be used by some unscrupulous elements to aggravate the crisis in the state chapter. “In the next few days we shall settled down to resolve our crisis and move ahead.

“Oyo APC stands a better chance in 2023 to defeat Governor Seyi Makinde as soon as our house is put in order.”

However some  gladiators and power brokers in Ibadan , yesterday,  rejected Omodewu as chairman.

Arising from a joint meeting,  leaders of the two major zones in the State —  Ibadan Main City and Ibadan Outer City, made up of 11 out of the 33  local government areas in the state condemned the inauguration of Omodewu as the state chairman, adding that the congress that produced him was flawed and had earlier  been rejected by the CECPC.

The leaders of the two zones also known as the Progressives Foundation Forum, which has the largest voting population in the State said it aligned with the other five zonal leaders, which had come up with  an harmonised list.