APC Ondo Director Media & Publicity, Mr Steve Otaloro
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has described the reports of looming internal crisis, and planned parallel Congress as unfounded and misleading.
It said in a statement on Wednesday by Steve Otaloro, its Director, Media & Publicity, that the report “is a deliberate distortion of facts, designed to create unnecessary tension within our progressive family and misinform the public.”
According to the statement, “For the avoidance of doubt, there is no division, no faction, and certainly no plan or possibility of a parallel congress within the APC in Ondo State. Such a development is completely alien to the culture, discipline, and democratic traditions of our great party, particularly in a state where the APC remains the ruling and dominant political force.
“It must be clearly stated that the Executive Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, is the undisputed leader of the APC in Ondo State, just as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains the National Leader of our great party. The leadership structure of the APC is well defined, respected, and firmly rooted in constitutional provisions and party supremacy, which all members are duty-bound to uphold.
“The insinuation that the Governor or any of his aides is compiling or imposing lists of party executives is entirely false and lacks credibility. The APC is guided by established procedures which encourage inclusiveness, consultation, and consensus building across all levels of the party structure. Our ward, local government, and state congresses are conducted strictly in accordance with guidelines issued by the national leadership of the party.
“We also wish to strongly refute claims suggesting that critical stakeholders, party leaders, or interest groups have been sidelined. The APC in Ondo State remains one united political family where every legitimate stakeholder is recognised and accorded due respect. The unity and stability of our party in Ondo State remain intact and unshaken.
“Furthermore, allegations of rivalry or supremacy battles among party leaders are mere fabrications aimed at creating imaginary divisions where none exists. The APC in Ondo State continues to work harmoniously with all elected officials, appointees, party elders, and stakeholders in advancing the progressive agenda of good governance and development.
“Our party is built on discipline, internal democracy, and strict adherence to party rules. The suggestion that parallel congresses could emerge within such a structured and organised political institution is not only false but also unheard of in progressive politics.
“We therefore urge party members and the general public to disregard the circulating rumours and politically motivated speculation. These stories are nothing more than attempts by mischief makers to distract our party from its focused commitment to strengthening internal democracy and delivering good governance to the people of Ondo State.
“The APC Ondo State Chapter wishes to assure all teeming party members and loyal supporters that the forthcoming congresses will be free, fair, transparent, and credible. Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa is a firm democrat who strongly believes in the rule of law, due process, and democratic tenets. Under his leadership, every party member will be given a level playing ground to participate in the congresses in accordance with party guidelines.
“The APC in Ondo State remains united, focused, and committed to consolidating its progressive ideals for the continued development of the state and the success of our party at all levels.”
