Fresh crisis appears to be brewing within the All Progressives Congress in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State following the alleged emergence of two parallel chairmen from the party’s local congress.
The development, which unfolded at the weekend, has according to party faithful, set the stage for a possible intra party rival blocs, who laid claim to the leadership of the party at the grassroots level.
One of the factions, said to be aligned with Hon. Hosea Agboola, popularly known as Halleluyah, held a stakeholders’ meeting where a resolution was reportedly reached to adopt consensus candidates for the party executives.
At the end of the meeting, Hon. Adeniji Julius Olukayode emerged as the consensus chairman of the party in Itesiwaju LG.
However, another faction reportedly loyal to Hon. Kola Olabiyi, a former member of the House of Representatives, conducted its own congress and produced Hon. Oyewole Seun as chairman.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reportedly monitored the party Congress where Oyewole reportedly emerged as the new APC chairman in the Council.
When contacted via phone call for reaction, the INEC officer in Itesiwaju LG, Mr. Opatoki Moses declined comments.
The emergence of the two chairmen has allegedly deepened existing cracks within the party structure in the council area.
In his acceptance speech after the congress, one of the factional chairmen, Hon. Oyewole Seun expressed appreciation to his supporters for the confidence reposed in him.
“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and trust in appointing me as the Chairman of APC, Itesiwaju Local Government.
I am honored and humbled by this recognition, and I pledge to work tirelessly to justify your confidence in me.
“Thank you for believing in me and for your leadership. I look forward to serving the party and our community with dedication and integrity,” he said.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the state leadership of the party clarifying which faction would be recognised.