Oyo ADC chairmen dismiss alleged hijack of party structure

Local Government Chairmen of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State, in conjunction with party leaders from all 33 local government areas, have reaffirmed their allegiance to the party’s state leadership while strongly rejecting alleged attempts to seize control of its structure.

Rising from a stakeholders’ meeting on Friday, the forum unanimously passed a vote of confidence in the State Chairman, Alhaji Yinka Olona, applauding his stewardship and contributions towards consolidating the party’s presence across the state

The leaders also lauded the ongoing electronic membership registration exercise coordinated by Ayo Akinyemi and Professor Folake Tafita, describing it as a strategic initiative that has bolstered grassroots mobilisation and improved organisational efficiency throughout the local government areas.

Addressing reported internal tensions, the forum condemned what it characterised as an attempted takeover of the party machinery by a group allegedly led by Chief Bisi Ilaka.

The chairmen dismissed the move as illegitimate, insisting that any effort to gain control outside established procedures would be resisted.

In a bid to preserve unity, the forum called for stricter enforcement of party discipline, resolving that individuals found to be instigating division within the party should be subjected to investigation and face suspension if proven culpable.

The meeting further raised concerns over the influence of external political actors, warning against the activities of so-called “political nomads” accused of attempting to infiltrate and destabilise the party for personal or vested interests.

As part of broader organisational reforms, the forum recommended a comprehensive review of the existing federal constituency structures, including the possibility of scrapping certain frameworks and redeploying loyal party officers to areas where they would be more effective.

Reaffirming its guiding principles, the leadership emphasised its commitment to internal democracy, inclusiveness, discipline and the supremacy of the party above individual interests.

The forum also recognised the loyalty of more than 150 party aspirants across different political levels, commending their steadfastness and support in the face of destabilising pressures.

Members were urged to remain loyal, disciplined and committed to the party’s collective progress, while adhering strictly to directives from the recognised leadership.

The meeting, however, emphasised unity, cohesion and organisational discipline as essential pillars for sustaining the ADC’s growth in Oyo State, expressing confidence in the party’s ability to further expand and strengthen its structures ahead of forthcoming political activities.

Culled from vanguard