Ogun APC crisis: Reconciliation committee meets political stalwarts

The National Reconciliatory Committee of the All Progressives Congress, APC led by former Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Abdullahi Adamu has met separately with the warring factions of the party in Ogun State.

The Committee was set up by the Mai Mala Buni led Caretaker/ Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee of the APC, to look into the crisis in the state chapters including Ogun, ahead of the planned convention of the party.

After meeting  separately with Governor Dapo Abiodun and his Predecessor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun factions, the 11-man committee said; ”they were in the state on a mission to reconcile the aggrieved party members.”

Principle of fairness
Adamu assured all members of the party that the Committee would adopt the principle of fairness in solving the crisis facing the party in Ogun.

While briefing newsmen after meeting both fractional members, Adamu said; ”the committee is optimistic that the crisis would be resolved.”

When asked if there is a sharing formula to appease the two factions, Adamu said; “there is no sharing formulae.

“What to take home in the name of God and most sincerely is that we got here around 11:00am, we have been to the government house to greet His Excellency and to announce formally that we are in Ogun state on the mandate of our committee.” 

He however expressed optimism that the crisis between the duo would be settled, after listening to their grievances.

Explaining what has been achieved, Adamu said; “it Is a practice we have adopted to always talk first so that we can have the cracks of the issues raised, something to explain to us what was raised in their petition.” 

The former Nasarawa state Governor said the desire of the party at the national level was to have peace among its members in Ogun.

He said; “We are here with a mission of meeting our party members and to see the best way we can pilot the reconciliation efforts of the party.

“It is the concern of our party at the national level that peace prevail in this state. And we will do everything to ensure that nothing truncates that peace.

“We owe the party a duty by ensuring that principles of fair hearing is given to all parties involved. We are not here for judgment.”

In his remark, Governor Abiodun acknowledged that there is bound to be friction in a party as big as the APC and lauded the party for choosing the path of reconciliation to guard against polarizing the party in Ogun.

“This Committee was carefully chosen to further strengthen the party. It is important to continue to have peace and harmony among us. Though there is bound to be conflict here and there, we must continue to find a way to cooperate, and I am happy to have you with us today. We will cooperate to ensure peace in our state,” Governor Abiodun said.

The two major factions battling for the soul of the state’s APC led by Governor Dapo Abiodun and his predecessor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, had last year conducted parallel congresses from wards up to the state levels.

Both camps have been laying claims to the leadership of the party in the state.

Other members of the APC Reconciliation Committee are: former governors, Sullivan Chime, Ali Sa’ad Burnin-Kudu and former deputy governors Idiat Ranti Adebule (Lagos),  Moses Adeyemo (Oyo), Secretary to Kebbi State Government, Suleiman Argungu, Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Betta Edu and Dr. Samuel Jimba, who is the head of the secretariat.

Mercy Chukwudiebere