A group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state, Alliance Progressives Movement (APM) has declared that the party in the state is solidly behind Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN.
The group restated that APC is one in the state, adding that Engr. Ade Adetimehin led executive is the only legally recognized Exco in the state.
In a statement issued and signed by the group coordinator, Temitope Olanipekun said Governor Akeredolu’s stand on the recent development in the party at the national level was duly supported by the party.
The group was reacting to a statement credited to one Idowu Otetubi who was referred to as the factional chairman of the party.
But, the APM disclosed that Otetubi is not a member of the APC and can not speak for the party. The group said its criminal for anyone to refer to him as a “factional” chairman of the APC in Ondo State.
“It’s criminal to refer to a man who has never attended any NEC meeting, who does not occupy the party state’s Secretariat and who was not sworn – in by the national Secretariat of the party as a chairman. To crown it all, this is a man who was known to be a strong member of the PDP and has not in any occasion decamped to the APC
“It’s fast becoming a cliché by telling the world that there is no faction in Ondo APC. Our people are unanimous in their support for the Ade Adetimehin led executive. Our stand is one on the authenticity of Adetimehin
“This is very logical! There is one APC secretariat in Ondo state. Who occupies it? Adetimehin. Who attends NEC meeting? Adetimehin. Whose name is recognized at the national Secretariat of the party? Adetimehin.Who was sworn in as the Chairman of Ondo APC at the National Secretariat in Abuja? Adetimehin.
“Those who reasoned against these facts anchored on principles of validity are mere jesters. “The group said.
On the claim by Otetubi that Governor Akeredolu was fighting the national Chairman of the party, Comrade Adams Oshiomole because of the mode of primary the state was directed to use, APM said Otetubi and his Co – travellers are political bootlickers who do not reason like intellectuals.
The group recalled that Governor Akeredolu openly declared the acceptance of the direct mode of primary in his October 1st,independence day speech.
“The governor has nothing to be scared of. He already, accepted that direct primary should be used in the state. He only expressed worry over the validity of the membership register that would be used for the election. That worry was justified
“The rabble rousers and their sponsors must understand that the decision to use indirect method of primaries was not Lord over the state by Governor Akeredolu but was agreed upon at a State Executive Committee (SEC) meeting which is the highest decision making organ of the party at the state level
“These agents of distabilization, must ask themselves why the national Secretariat had to change the lawful decision of the SEC and single – handedly imposed the indirect mode of primary on the party in the state?
“Governor Akeredolu provided the leadership for party memebrs in the state and prevailed over majority of our members who were bent on protesting the imposition of direct mode of primary
“If there is anything, Governor Akeredolu should be praised for accepting such unpopular move all for party loyalty and respect
“Those who also accused the governor of sponsoring attacks on the primary election day must cover their eyes in shame. It has been established long ago that some disgruntled elements are responsible for the spurious allegation of sponsored attacks
“This is to categorically state that Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, is the leader of the APC in Ondo state and therefore, his decisions and opinions represent that of the party in the state.” The group submitted.
The APM, however, urged memebrs of the public to disregard the statement credited to ” one Idowu Otetubi “, describing him as a jester.
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