Commercial activities in Akure, the Ondo State capital, was yesterday disrupted following a clash between All Progressives Congress (APC) members, loyal to its Chairman, Isaac Kekemeke, and some aggrieved members.
The secretariat, on Oyemekun road, was deserted, as shop owners, passers-by and motorists ran for their lives.
Since Tuesday, the APC office has been invaded by some members under the aegis of “Movement against Imposition”, who sealed off the office.
The group, who reportedly sacked Kekemeke and set up a factional executive, led by Saka Yusuf Ogunleye, accused Kekemeke of anti-party activities; manipulation of the delegates’ list and an attempt to impose an aspirant, among others.
Kekemeke’s men were said to have reopened the secretariat on Wednesday after chasing away the aggrieved members.
The situation took a twist yesterday as those loyal to the party chairman allegedly exchanged gunshots with the aggrieved members, who came back reinforced.
Normalcy was restored after the Deputy Commissioner of Police Edward Ajogun, led his men, to the scene.
Kekemeke arrived at the secretariat with his secretary, Rotimi Raham, and Central Senatorial Chairman, Adegboyega Adedipe, to address reporters.
The APC chairman urged the Saka Yusuf-led executive members to return to his fold and work for the party’s success.
He alleged that those behind the crisis were those who believe their governorship ambition would not succeed.
Kekemeke assured the aspirants, party members and delegates to the primary election that the list of delegates would be the same produced by the Femi Pedro Congress Committee, and amended by the Chief Aro Lambo Congress Appeal Committee.
He said the primary election, slated for August 27, would be conducted by the APC national headquarters.
Kekemeke added that the process involved sales of forms, screening, appointment of officials; issuance of delegates’ list, conduct of the primary election and announcement of results.
“As for endorsement, it should be clear to all that endorsement is not synonymous with imposition.
‘’It has been sufficiently explained that endorsement is consistent and compatible with best democratic practices, even in the most advanced democracies and does not in any way impair free, fair and transparent primaries.
“My view is that since all delegates are known by all, being officials of the party at various levels, let endorsement contend with endorsement, mobilisation with mobilisation, propaganda with propaganda, vision with vision, logistics with logistics, influence with influence and let the delegates speak.
“It is sad that the way and manner some protesters are carrying on, is suggestive of the familiar practice of intending defectors from their party to weaken the party, demonise their party leaders, create imaginary division, romance the opposition and cry wolf, when there is none.”
No comments:
Post a Comment