• Says opposition party disorganised, drowning
• IPAC warns against spread of unfounded allegations over political logjam

Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Ade Adetimehin, yesterday carpeted his counterpart in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Fatai Adams, over the latter’s claim that members and leaders of the PDP who decamped to the APC have started returning to the PDP.

Adetimehin, while describing Adam’s claims as false, said the PDP was a disorganised party that is already sinking.

In a statement made available to The Guardian, the APC chairman in the state stressed that contrary to the assertion of the PDP chairman, he did not partake in the swearing-in of the caretaker committee in the state, which he said, took place at the House of Assembly.

Adam had on Tuesday tackled the APC chairman over the alleged claim that a plan had been hatched for members of the PDP State Working Committee (SWC) to decamp to the ruling APC.

Adetimehin disclosed that the PDP chairman was trying to twist the facts for political mileage and to undermine the image of the APC in the state.
He said: “It is important to clarify that Ade Adetimehin was not at the swearing-in of the caretaker committee as claimed by the PDP chairman. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the House of Assembly. It is regrettable that the PDP chairman has chosen to misrepresent the facts to discredit me and our party.

“Furthermore, Ade Adetimehin questioned the veracity of the PDP chairman’s claim that members of the opposition party that decamped to the ruling APC are returning quietly.
“I called on Adams to provide the names of those individuals who have supposedly returned. It is essential to substantiate such claims with concrete evidence rather than make sweeping statements without any factual basis.
“I also questioned why these alleged returnees would choose to come back quietly. If indeed there were individuals who had left the APC and decided to return, it is natural to expect that they would do so openly and proudly.
“The insinuation made by the PDP chairman raises doubts about the credibility of his statements and suggests a lack of understanding regarding the dynamics and unity within our party, the APC.
“Contrary to Adams’ assertions, the APC in the state remains a formidable force in Ondo State and beyond. We are a party united under the able leadership of Oluwarotimi Akeredolu. Our ranks are unbreakable, and we stand together as a cohesive unit, working tirelessly for the betterment of our state and its people.”

Meanwhile, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Ondo State chapter, yesterday, called for caution between the warring factions in the state against spreading baseless and unfounded allegations over the political logjam that had been rocking the state.

The political parties’ forum, which backed the stance of President Bola Tinubu in the crisis, said that the ploy of the gladiators could jeopardise the existing peace in the state if they cease to sheathe their swords.

In a joint communiqué signed by prominent political leaders in the state, including Funso Oloro (APM), Jenyo Atanunoko (ZLP), Oyebamiji Lawrence (ZLP), Fred Akinuli (AA), Peter Oladunokun (NNPP), Rasheed Olaide (ADC) and Oladele Oluwasesan (PRP), they urged the contending parties involved in the crisis to set aside their differences and prioritise peace.

According to Oluwasesan, Chairman of PRP, who read the communiqué on behalf of the political parties’ forum in Akure, the state capital, the crisis was caused by the power struggle between Aiyedatiwa and his boss.

He, therefore, advised Aiyedatiwa and the House of Assembly to adhere to the counsel and terms of the peace brokered by Tinubu.