The All Progressives Congress in Abeokuta North Local Government is grappling with internal tension following protests by members of Ward 8, Lafenwa, Afonta, Gaa, over the outcome of the party’s ward congress.
The aggrieved members, in a petition addressed to the APC Chairman and apex leadership in Abeokuta North, described the congress as a “charade, injustice and pretence,” alleging that the process sidelined loyal and hardworking members of the party.
According to the petition, which bore several signatures, the protesters called for an immediate review of the congress. They claimed that individuals who allegedly worked against the party in the past or recently defected from other political platforms were favoured during the exercise, to the detriment of longstanding members.
Among those mentioned in the petition was Tunji Adeleye, also known as Elele, whom the signatories accused of anti party activities. The petitioners also frowned at the inclusion of loyalists of Hon. Idris Atinusola and recent defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party, including Taofeek Ejalonibu, in the new ward structure.
The aggrieved members argued that the appointments were made at the expense of committed party faithful who had remained steadfast, particularly those loyal to Governor Dapo Abiodun.
They further alleged that Hon. Abiodun Animasahun, a former councillor and chairman of the ward’s leadership forum, was ignored despite what they described as his immense contributions to the growth of the party in the area. The petition also accused the local government party chairman of removing excos who were not aligned with her “Hilltop” group and replacing them with loyalists.
“The electoral value of the removed excos cannot be compared to those she appointed,” the petition read, adding that results from the last local government election demonstrated the relevance and strength of the displaced executives.
The letter, signed by Hon. Abiodun Animasahun, Segun Opaleye, Alhaji Shittu, Isa Lawal, Jabar Salami, Taiwo Owowye, Musiliu Adebayo, Idowu Iskil, Kamilu Sulaimon and Lakan Job, demanded a fair redistribution of party slots to ensure justice and unity within the ward.
Copies of the petition were also sent to Chief Bode Mustapha, the Osi of Egbaland, the APC Organising Secretary in Ogun State, and the Secretary of the Apex Body, APC Abeokuta North.
As of the time of filing this report, the party leadership in Abeokuta North had yet to issue an official response to the allegations.
