The Caretaker Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has suspended the ongoing State Congress in Oyo State.
The Chairman of the Caretaker Committee and Governor of Yobe State, Mai Buni gave the order and also directed the State Congress Committee to return to Abuja for further directives.
It was, however, a day of mixed feelings for the members of the Oyo State Chapter of the APC when the ongoing congress was abruptly called off on Saturday.
Despite the call off, party members were seen in clusters singing and chanting to declare their support for their preferred candidates.
The carnival-like event, which held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium (also known as Liberty Stadium), Oke Ado, Ibadan, saw ‘the members carrying posters, placards and wearing various designs of uniform, indicating their support for the aspirants.’
Many of the members who spoke with Voice of Nigeria on condition of anonymity said ”they were surprised at the development but would comply with the directive.”
The members noted that ”the party is more determined to build its house and not allow for any form of division ahead of the forthcoming general elections.”
The Spokesperson of the party in the State, Dr Azeez Olatunde said; ”the postponement was a directive from the National Secretariat.”
New date expected
Olatunde explained that the party would reach out to the National Secretariat for a new date for the congress.
He stated; “The congress has been postponed and we have to get another day for the congress from the National Executive of the party. There are some people that are supposed to do screening of the aspirants and have not concluded the process, and after that, we have to also get all the zones into agreement to got to their area and tell them about the consesus arrangements.”
“The Chairmanship position was zoned to Oke-Ogun 1, and Oke-Ogun 1 is yet to resolve on who to fill the post. We will get back to the National Secretariat on a new date for the congress,” he explained.
Meanwhile, a Chairmanship Aspirant of the party, Alhaji Abu Gbadamosi, said; ”he would abide by the position of the party if the congress is actually postponed, stressing that the rules and regulations of the party are supreme and final.
He, however, urged the members of the party to be patient and endure for the party to reach its destination in 2023.
Contrarily, a delegate, Mrs Olusola Akinola, expressed displeasure over the postponement, saying, ”it is a bad signal for the party, especially as the party is warming up to take over power in Oyo State come 2023.”
It was gathered that the Congress was suspended due to alleged forging of documents meant for the exercise, among other irregularities.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
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