Court Case against Ondo APC Exco intact – Factional chairman

*** As Party hails return of Unity Forum gladiators

A faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state has disowned the former Chairman, Mr. Idowu Otetubi over his recent public support for Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s reelection, saying he acted on his personal interest.

The group noted that it has the authentic APC executives, party register and delegates due to the 2018 congresses at all levels in the state, adding that their record is properly documented at the national level of the party.

The Acting Chairman, Mr. Henry Olatuja, declared while addressing journalists in Akure, saying that the faction, which consists of 11 plaintiffs, was still pursuing the litigation to challenge Engr. Ade Adetimehin-led APC executives.

Olafuja recounted that there was no time which Otetubi contacted the executive committee to join Governor Akeredolu and to withdraw the case hearer at the Federal High Court, Akure Judicial Division.

Idowu Otetubi had declared his support for the second term bid of Akeredolu, adding that the Suit No: FUC/AK/CS/10/2019 to litigate against the congresses of the party in 2018.

But Olatuja, who led the executives of the faction across the state to assert their stance, affirmed that Otetubi had compromised his integrity and position in the party.

“This is an attempt to frustrate the gubernatorial ambition of various aspirants within the party. His deflection to the governor’s group would definitely allow for proper monitoring of our case and will stop the unnecessary exploitation of party leaders.

“We want the party members and the general public to note that his joining Aketi Team has nothing to do with us and the case before the court,” he said.

The Acting Chairman, Olatuja, who was the former Deputy Chairman, explained that they do not have confidence in the party under Adetimehin, urging the national leadership of the party to opt for direct primary for the state’s governorship election.

“His reasons to withdraw his name as one of those challenging the legality of Mr. Ade Adetimehin-led executive committee, the 18 LG executives, and 203 wards executives has nothing to do with the right of other litigants to pursue their case to a logical conclusion.

“We support the agitation for direct primary for the selection of part candidate in forthcoming governorship election because the list of delegates at the national headquarter of the party in respect of Ondo State are two types. Direct primary would give equal opportunity for all the aspirants to participate effectively.”

One of the Caretakers of Unity Forum, after Alhaji Ali Olanusi was sacked as the Chairman, Chief Bayo Olafusi, disclosed that Olatuja was appointed the Acting Chairman of the APC faction immediately Otetubi ditched the group.

Olatuja and Olafusi, without mincing words, declared that “Mr Ade Adetimehin-led executive committee of APC in Ondo State remained illegal as far as we are concerned and need to be set aside.

The group officially suspended the former factional chairman and secretary, Otetubi and Gani Mohammed, who had jointly joined forces with Governor Akeredolu for a second term bid.

They pledged the loyalty of the group to the National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, the National Leader, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu and the Senate Deputy Leader, Ajayi Boroffice, appealing for justice in the matter.

Meanwhile ,the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State views the decision of the Hon. Idowu Otetubi led-executive of the Unity Forum to dissolve into the parent-body, the state chapter of the party, as significant, and its a prerequisite for genuine reconciliation in the state chapter.

A statement by Alex Kalejaye,
State Publicity of the party says “Ondo APC is also elated over the voluntary and unconditional withdrawal of a case at the Federal High Court, Akure, instituted by the group, challenging the composition of the Engr. Ade Adetimehin led State Executive.

“ The party state chairman, Engr. Adetimehin, applauds the former chairman of the Unity Forum and members of his executive for placing the fortune of the party ahead of personal ego and interest.

” He says the collapse of the Unity Forum structure into the party structure would further enhance the cohesion and chances of the party in any election in the state.

“ The Chairman says the collapse of the structure into the party translates into additional value, and would make the governorship task ahead much easier.

“ He describes Otetubi as a highly experienced politician as well as a dogged political warrior, whose love for the development of Ondo State is exemplary.

The party chieftain assures of comprehensive integration into the main fold for Hon. Otetubi and his team adding, “There will be no discrimination of any type against returnees because we are one”.

He opines: “It is in the best interest of our party for all of us to work together at a critical period like this and work for the victory of APC at the governorship election”.