There was mild drama at the Oyo State secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday, when angry members of the party pelted the National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje and his entourage, who were on a visit with sachets of pure water over alleged marginalisation and ill-treatment meted to the chapter.

Before the drama, Ganduje had assured the party faithful that APC would restructure itself right from the ward to local government, state and federal level for it to attract more members.

Ganduje, who first visited the palace of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, thereafter proceeded on a private visit to the Ibadan residence of Ondo State governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, where the incumbent governor is recuperating following his return from a three months medical trip from Germany.

Ganduje said he appreciated the Oyo chapter for the job well done during the last general elections, which according to him resulted in the victory of President Bola Tinubu.

The visit somehow turned sour, as some aggrieved members of the party protested what it described as APC national body working against their governorship candidate, Senator Teslim Folarin, in the March 18 gubernatorial poll.

The protesters started shouting the name of Folarin and were simultaneously pelting sachets of water at Ganduje and his entourage, which included the National Vice Chairman, Southwest, Isaac Kekemeke; Ayo Afolabi, former Minister of Communication, Bayo Shittu among others, as they were about leaving the party secretariat.

It was gathered that part of their grievances was President Tinubu’s choice of not picking a member of the party as minister, but decided to appoint Mr. Bayo Adelabu, who was the gubernatorial candidate of Accord Party in the last election. They lamented that up till now, Adelabu, who was given the works ministry, is yet to return to APC.

They booed Ganduje, saying the National Working Committee (NWC) has practically destroyed the Oyo chapter as a result of its continuous romance with Governor Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). It was also alleged that the Oyo State government on the governor’s directive, provided all the logistics, security, vehicles among others for Ganduje and his entourage.

In his remarks, the Oyo APC chairman, Isaac Omodewu, expressed displeasure that the state chapter is yet to be duly compensated for the work it did for the emergence of President Tinubu in the last election.

He said: “As events that heralded the last general elections are still fresh in our memory, we must inform you that Oyo APC remains an unsung hero because we got little support but we delivered beyond expectations. In spite of the fact that we had no sitting governor in Oyo, electioneering was quite challenging as we had to face a lot of hostilities from the PDP government in the state. All these attacks were documented and reported but unfortunately, the same people behind the attacks are now the one laying claim to our hard-earned victory at the February 25 presidential poll.”

Responding, Ganduje appealed to all conflicting factions and stakeholders within the state to set aside their differences and prioritise peace for the success of the party. He acknowledged the internal crisis within the party, emphasizing that the party’s national leadership is well aware of the situation and is advocating for unity to strengthen the party.

While recognising the dedicated efforts of party members in securing victory during the last presidential election, he emphasised the importance of unity moving forward.

RECEIVING Ganduje, Akeredolu expressed confidence in the capacity of the National Chairman to move the party forward. Akeredolu stated that Ganduje’s extensive experience garnered from serving two terms as Kano governor, has equipped him adequately to steer the party towards significant progress and development.

The Ondo governor also disclosed that God has answered his prayers over his health, but solicited for more prayers from everyone. He expressed gratitude to God for keeping him alive, adding that he is back to his duties.

He said: “I thank God for the gift of life for all of us. I personally want to express my gratitude that I’m alive and well. We are back by the grace of God.”

The governor further expressed his appreciation for the chairman’s directive for state party structures to maintain appropriate offices. “You will know that we have a befitting office when you visit Akure. After the Abuja office, it’s the Ondo office that we can be proud of.

“I want to thank you all for coming. I know that the Lord has answered my prayers, but I need more. My Chairman, I know you are capable, and you can count on my support anytime. The party has survived, and it must continue to take full control of the country’s affairs,” Akeredolu declared.

Earlier, the National Chairman noted that the governor is extremely important to the party and the country. Ganduje, while acknowledging the party’s consistent prayers for the governor, emphasised that they could not forget about the good governance he has been offering Ondo and the country.

“We are here solely to see you after your prolonged absence from the country. You hold extreme importance to us in APC and the country. We prayed intensively for your health.

“We cannot forget the good governance you have been providing for Ondo and Nigeria at large. When one of us faces health challenges, we feel it too. We have come with our Bishop to offer prayers for your health,” Ganduje said.

Ganduje informed the governor that the party’s National Working Committee underwent a reformation during his absence. “In your absence, the NWC was reformed. The National Chairman and the National Secretary of the party both resigned. Prior to this, there were gaps due to resignations or deaths.

Before the drama, Ganduje had assured the party faithful that APC would restructure itself right from the ward to local government, state and federal level for it to attract more members.

SmartPolician:
Upon say all the key federal positions have gone to the South West these Oyo APC folks still want more.

Human wants, according to basic Economics, are insatiable. Dey wait for Tinubu; make una no go find work help unaselves.

Racoon:
Just imagine! Nigerians are suffering as a results of a lots of imbalances and ill governance. They even planned to restructure their devillish party to accommodate new members. However, these are the same bastards that said Nigeria is unrestructureable and the unity thereof is non-negotiable.

It was gathered that part of their grievances was President Tinubu’s choice of not picking a member of the party as minister, but decided to appoint Mr. Bayo Adelabu, who was the gubernatorial candidate of Accord Party in the last election. They lamented that up till now, Adelabu, who was given the works ministry, is yet to return to APC.

darling4242:
Engaging in violence or disruptive behavior can detract from the issues at hand and may not lead to productive solutions. It's crucial for political leaders and their followers to find more constructive ways to address their concerns and differences.

Couldntfigurean:
Rice bandits no go keee Person

Varunpulyani:
Awa lokan.

Yoruba lokan

We are respectful, sophisticated and accommodating rice traders.



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