Oyo ADC leaders reject claims of party takeover

Adeola Badru reports that Local Government Chairmen of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State, along with party leaders from all 33 local government areas, have reiterated their loyalty to the party's state leadership, while firmly denouncing alleged attempts to usurp control of its structure.

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The chairmen and leaders, who met on Friday, unanimously expressed their confidence in State Chairman Alhaji Yinka Olona, praising his leadership and contributions to the party's growth across the state.

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The electronic membership registration exercise, led by Ayo Akinyemi and Professor Folake Tafita, was commended by the leaders as a strategic move that has enhanced grassroots mobilisation and improved organisational efficiency in all local government areas.

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The forum condemned the alleged attempt by a group, reportedly led by Chief Bisi Ilaka, to seize control of the party machinery, dismissing the move as illegitimate and vowing to resist any attempt to gain control outside established procedures.

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In a bid to maintain unity, the forum called for stricter enforcement of party discipline, resolving to investigate and suspend individuals found to be instigating division within the party.

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The meeting also raised concerns over the influence of external political actors, warning against the activities of so-called "political nomads" who attempt to infiltrate and destabilise the party for personal or vested interests.

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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, as part of broader organisational reforms.

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The leadership reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy, inclusiveness, discipline, and the supremacy of the party above individual interests, guiding the party's actions and decisions.

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

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

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The meeting 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.