APC cautions against financial impropriety, prohibits unofficial vetting of candidates

The Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a stern warning to party officials, cautioning them against diverting funds allocated for grassroots activities, while also imposing a blanket ban on unauthorized screening of aspirants ahead of forthcoming party processes.

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These directives were among the key resolutions adopted at a stakeholders' meeting held on Monday at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta, which brought together party leaders from across the state to review operations and bolster internal cohesion.

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The meeting, presided over by State Chairman Yemi Sanusi, was attended by a broad range of party officials, including members of the State Executive Committee, representatives from all 20 Local Government Areas, council chairmen, party chairmen, and 236 ward chairmen.

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Sanusi emphasized that funds recently disbursed to ward and local government chairmen were strictly earmarked for party administration, particularly the conduct of meetings, and must not be diverted for personal use under any circumstances.

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He further announced that modalities for the collection of nomination forms would soon be unveiled, in line with a revised timetable issued by the party's national leadership, and underscored the importance of regular meetings at ward and local government levels as essential to party vitality.

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Deliberations at the meeting featured contributions from various stakeholders, resulting in key resolutions aimed at repositioning the party for greater efficiency, with ward chairmen from Ado-Odo/Ota, Ijebu Ode, and Obafemi Owode local governments raising operational challenges that were addressed by the party's Administrative Officer, Hon. Bankole.

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Hon. Bankole assured the ward chairmen of improved coordination, while the leader of the local government party chairmen acknowledged past shortcomings and pledged enhanced performance moving forward.

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Alhaja Faidat of Abeokuta North stressed the need for consistent ward-level meetings, noting that grassroots engagement was critical to party success, and Chairman of Local Government Executive Chairmen, Dr. Mrs. Adeyemo, called for renewed commitment among party officers.

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Dr. Mrs. Adeyemo urged party officers to redouble their efforts at the grassroots, citing the governor's unprecedented support to party structures, and emphasizing the need to justify that confidence.

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Chief Mrs. Ronke Ogunremi advised political office holders to extend more assistance to party organs at the ward and local government levels, while Chief Mrs. Iyabo Apampa advocated making financial contributions by appointees mandatory to ensure functional grassroots structures.

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Party elder Alhaji Kasali Kalejaiye commended the leadership but emphasized the need to carry grassroots elders along in decision-making processes, noting that keeping elders fully informed would strengthen monitoring and ensure better control within the party.

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The State Organising Secretary, Hon. Yemi Adelani, charged party leaders to surpass current performance benchmarks, acknowledging contributions from political appointees while insisting that more support was needed at the grassroots.

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Hon. Adelani also announced the conclusion of the party's membership e-registration exercise, stating that the engagement of registration agents had officially ended, and unveiled a decisive resolution banning unauthorized screening of aspirants at any level within the state.

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The resolution stated that no individual or group was permitted to conduct screening outside official guidelines, warning that anyone who contravened this rule would face severe sanctions.

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The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of commitment by party leaders to unity, discipline, and electoral success, as the APC in the State positions itself for upcoming political activities.