APC Crisis Deepens In Oyo As Lagelu Leaders Reject Congress, Allege Imposition

Chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State have rejected the outcome of the recently conducted local government congress, describing it as an imposition of candidates.

The aggrieved party leaders made their position known in a petition addressed to the state chairman of the APC, a copy of which was made available to journalists on Wednesday.

The petition was jointly signed by several stakeholders across the council, including Chief Ajuwon James Olusegun (Ward 2), Chief Mrs Jemilat Adesina Ajimobi (Ward 4), Alhaji Chazali Remi Ajani (Ward 1), Fadiran Ilelabayo (Ward 12), Gbenga Ogeye (Ward 3), Engineer Toriola Oyesomi (Ward 8), and Sulaiman Soladoye (Ward 14).

They expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct and outcome of the congress, insisting that it did not reflect the will of party members at the grassroots.

Rejecting the exercise, the chieftains alleged that certain individuals orchestrated the imposition of candidates for various party positions in the local government.

“We, the concerned leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagelu Local Government, hereby express our deep dissatisfaction and strong protest over the outcome of the recently conducted party congress in the local government. It is both sad and unfortunate that despite our earlier petitions and submissions before the Appeal Panel, the grievances of majority stakeholders have been ignored,” the petition read.

Allegation Of External Interference

The leaders further alleged a deliberate attempt to weaken the party’s structure in Lagelu, accusing unnamed individuals of working with external forces.

“Recent developments clearly indicate a deliberate attempt by certain individuals to destabilise and weaken the party structure in Lagelu Local Government. The collective decision of party leaders across 14 wards, who in good faith agreed on a harmonised list of executive members to promote unity and cohesion, was unjustly overturned,” they said.

“This was done through the imposition of a list by an individual acting in connivance with external forces outside the local government.”

The aggrieved leaders called for the immediate review of the congress outcome and the adoption of what they described as the authentic harmonised list approved by the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.

“We categorically reject any form of imposition of party executives by any elected official. The autonomy of the party at the grassroots must be respected, and the voices of genuine party leaders within Lagelu Local Government must not be silenced,” they added.

They also demanded strict implementation of the harmonised list for both local government and ward executives, alongside a directive from the state leadership prohibiting imposition by individuals, regardless of status.

The petitioners warned that continued disregard for due process and internal democracy could weaken the party’s chances in future elections.

“We warn that the continued disregard for due process and party unity may have serious consequences for the strength and electoral prospects of the APC in Lagelu Local Government,” they stated.

Reacting to the development, the Oyo State APC Publicity Secretary, Wasiu Sadare, acknowledged that the party was aware of grievances arising from the congress in some local government areas.

“We are aware of grievances in some places. There are complaints and there are hitches, and the party is working around the clock to resolve the issues,” he said.

Sadare urged aggrieved members to remain patient, noting that the party has established mechanisms to address disputes.

“They have to exercise patience. We have a process mechanism to resolve all the issues,” he added.