One of the support groups of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ekiti State backing the governorship ambition of Engineer Kayode Olubunmi Ojo, named Concerned Members of the Ekiti State APC has cried out to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the series of Maltreatment already suffered by him and his teeming party supporters and loyalists in the State.
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Addressing journalists at the campaign organization office of the Engineer Kayode Olubunmi Ojo located along Ikere Ekiti on Thursday, the Leader of the Concerned Members of the Ekiti APC, Honourable Chief Ganiyu Bello Akande draw the attention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the series of attacks already suffered by the loyalists and supporters of Engineer Kayode Olubunmi Ojo across the State in recent times.
Chief Ganiyu complained bitterly about the persistent injustice, discrimination and orchestrated victimisation being meted out to Engineer Kayode Ojo and teeming supporters across the 16 local government areas of the State.
He pointed out how Governor Oyebanji issued directive to the All Progressives Congress members at the ward, local government and State level not to welcome or associate with any of Kayode Ojo’s supporters, threatening to sanction such party officials.
Ganiyu explained that such directive from Governor Oyebanji contravene Article 9.5 (I) of the APC constitution as amended in 2022 which allows “every member to participate fully in the activities of the party and aspire for any office in accordance with the party’s rules and regulations.
Adding, he accused Governor Oyebanji for directing his political appointees and public office holders to publicly defend him and attack other aspirants, and mobilizing driver’s unions in the State to defend his position as governor by ensuring his second term ticket is secured by all means.
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He draw the attention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the series of directives by Governor Oyebanji to his attack dogs to carry out physical attacks on Engineer Kayode Ojo’s supporters in the State.
Citing an instances, he pointed out to the President Tinubu how members of the transport union were mobilized to destroy the vehicles and motorcycles of Ojo’s loyalists at Ikere Ekiti, and injuring many in the process.
He also cite the case of disruption of the venue of where Ojo’s loyalists were meeting at Otun Ekiti in Moba local government area of the State, with records of arrest and false charges of kidnapping leveled against some of them, while some were also shot in the legs in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.
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He equally informed President Tinubu about the incidence of attack which occurred at Igede Ekiti in Irepodun / Ifelodun local government area of the State, where Ojo’s loyalists were wrongly charged to court for alleged robbery.
He listed the names of Ojo’s loyalists currently being victimized across the State to include Adebiyi Aderiye popularly known as Ojugo; Oluwatoyin Abeleje also know as Yeye Oge and Fabiyi Taiwo from Emure Ekiti.
Ganiyu argued that the actions of those behind the threat and attacks are in clear violation of article 21.2 (i) and (ii) of the APC constitution, which describe as offence any action that “constitutes anti – party activity and causes disaffection among party members”.
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He explained further that despite writing officially to the Ekiti APC State Party Executives to inform them of the plan to visit them, to address issues and concerns expressed dismay and shock why it was only the State Chairman that attended the said meeting.
He described as foul play the decision of the Ekiti State APC Executives not to receive them at the State Party Secretariat in Ado Ekiti, in preparation for the Ojo’s official declaration in the State.
Ganiyu also descended on the National Secretary of the APC, Senator Dr Ajibola Basiru who at several publicly fora pitch tent with the Incumbent despite his party national position he holds.
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Ganiyu however used the opportunity to plead with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately intervene in the matter and order the investigation of allegations of gross violations of the APC constitution and democratic rights in the matter.
President Tinubu was also advised to review the issue of disqualification process of Engineer Kayode Olubunmi Ojo in line with article 31.4 of the party’s constitution and ensure a level playing field for all aspirants.