In a statement yesterday, Oke appealed to party faithful and members of the public to disregard rumours of internal crisis in Oyo APC.
He said the rumoured crisis is a figment of the imagination of some fifth columnists, who do not mean well for the party and Nigerian society.
The chairman disclosed that the party would hold a stakeholder meeting on Monday, October 11, 2021, to deliberate on the zoning arrangement.
Oke’s reaction came on the heels of insinuation that a former Governor of Oyo, Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala had set up a committee to consider zoning of positions and conduct of the state congress but the move was vehemently rejected by the Unity Forum, a group that claimed it was not part of Akala’s arrangement.
The unity group and progressives arm of the party accused Akala and Senator Teslim Folarin, who defected to APC, not long ago, of working towards a script to hijack the party’s structure but the forum’s members that include former Minister of Communications, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, Senators Ayo Adeseun, Femi Lanlehin, Soji Akanbi and others were opposed to.
Shittu, who spoke on behalf of the forum, said they were not consulted before the Akala committee’s members were appointed.
Efforts to get the incumbent Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, who is also said to be averse to Teslim and Akala’s alleged manipulations was unsuccessful as he did not pick his calls or respond to text messages.
Oke’s statement reads: “As the date for the state congresses draws closer, the Oyo State chapter has announced that it would hold critical stakeholders meeting on Monday to conclude on its planned zoning arrangement for the next set of State Executive Committee members. No stone would be left unturned to ensure that all tendencies, zones and 33 local government areas are carried along in the formation of the new State Executive Committee through a consensus arrangement that is devoid of partiality and sentiments.
“While we plead for the understanding of all gladiators and stakeholders within the party, we assure that all is well with the progressive family in the state as few noises in the social media are expected at a time like this. However, we would like to warn all overzealous elements to caution themselves against actions capable of raising fear and suspicion as we maintain our resolve to prioritize only activities that would be in the overall interest of the party only.
“The critical stakeholders meeting slated for this Monday becomes imperative in view of the forthcoming state congress as it is our desire to hold a hitch-free exercise just like we did during the previous Ward and Local Government Congresses across the state. In view of this, we shall reach out to all leaders and stalwarts of our party from Friday as only individuals duly invited would be allowed to be part of the meeting.
“We want party faithful and members of the public to disregard rumours of internal crisis in Oyo APC. The rumoured crisis is a figment of the imagination of some fifth columnists who do not mean well for the Nigerian society. Party congresses are strictly for political parties to strengthen their structures and fulfil certain constitutional obligations. And as a Progressive party, we will always work in the best interest of our members and the general public as we are poised to return to Agodi Government House in 2023.”
