Osun APC chieftains at war over formation of splinter group


The former acting Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), in Osun state, Elder Adelowo Adebiyi and the Acting Secretary of ‘Igbimo Agba’ (APC Elders Caucus), Hon Akinremi Omolaoye, have disagreed over the legality of a splinter group formed within the party, The Osun Progressives (TOP). 


The TOP, a political group believed to be loyal to former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, was formed by former Commissioners, Special Advisers and some party chieftains in Osun with Adebiyi as its Chairman.  


The APC caucus led by Chief Sola Akinwumi suspended Adebiyi for accepting to be the Chairman of the group without consulting the elder caucus, describing the group as ‘aberration.’ 


They described the group as ‘unconstitutional and illegal’ insisting that it was wrong to form a group within the same party. 


While Omolaoye maintained that the APC elders caucus is not a group but a caucus formed by the party, Adebiyi on the other hand stated that TOP is a caucus recognized by the party’s constitution. 


According to Omolaoye “the party’s constitution does not allow to have other groups within the party. Existence of those groups are aberration. Group is used to press in the interest of an individual who is not physically known but he is agitating to become something.”


But, Adebiyi said the TOP is like caucus, noting that other groups have existed within the party and nobody raised any issue against them. 


He said the elder caucus should have given him fair hearing before suspending him, saying that TOP was not formed to divide the party, but to prepare the party for the 2020 governorship election. 


Accroding to him, “the major aim is how we can ensure that the party is strong ahead of elections. We have many groups within the APC. We have Ilerioluwa, the governor’s campaign group, we have Oromiyan group within the same party. I am surprised that TOP is now giving some people concern.


“I am appealing to them to give me a fair hearing. We, The Osun Progressives (TOP) are not here to divide the party but to sensitise members of the party. TOP is a caucus or group within the party that is recognized by the APC Constitution in the Article 9 and 12 where we have the former chairman of the party, the current secretary of the party, ex-commissioners, ex-vice chairman and Honourables. 


“Our objective is to promote internal democracy in the party. According to Article 20, 1(A), all post shall be filled with the elected member. This is our goal, to promote equity, fairness and justice within the party. To ensure transparency, accountability in party management. Where is a course of division in this?  


“It is a misconception that we are using the group to work against the current governor. We are not interested in fighting Governor Oyetola. I urge our leaders to sit down and talk about the plan of the party,” Adebiyi pleaded. 

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