By 9japarrot
A group within the All Progressives Congress in Kwara State, Kwara APC Like-Minds, has raised concerns over alleged injustice, lack of transparency and disregard for internal democracy in the party in Offa Local Government Area.
Addressing journalists at a press conference on Saturday, the group through the Convener, Hon. Prince Adekola Mubarak (FBB) and the Secretary, Arakunrin Bolujoko Olakunle Abduljabar said it was speaking as committed members of the APC who want to strengthen the party ahead of future elections.
“We are not against the APC. We are committed members who believe that speaking out against perceived injustice is necessary to strengthen our party,” the group stated.
The group further asked the party leadership to clarify whether Arabinrin Taiye Omotosho of Essa/Sawo/Igbon Constituency is still serving as an appointee under the Offa Local Government Authority.
They also sought to know if she is currently receiving salary or other remuneration from the local government, and when the last payment was made.
“We believe official clarification on these questions will help dispel speculation and reassure party members,” it said.
The group expressed concern over the conduct of the APC primary election for Essa/Sawo/Igbon State Constituency, which had eight aspirants including Hon. Abdulwaheed Gbenga Yusuf, Hon. Sharafadeen Babatunde Oladapo, Hon. Abel, Hon. Sani, Hon. Oroyé, Hon. Bolaji, Hon. Hameed Omoluyadun and Hon. Taiye Omotosho.
It asked: “What criteria were used in screening the aspirants? Why was only one aspirant initially cleared shortly before the primary election? Was every aspirant given equal treatment throughout the process?”
The group noted that while some argued that loyalty influenced the choice of candidate, many members wondered if other aspirants who invested time, resources and commitment in the APC were considered less loyal.
It added that although Hon. Omotosho had previously benefited from appointments and empowerment programmes, members believe party members should be treated fairly to encourage wider participation.
The group said Offa has accomplished professionals who should be given opportunities based on competence, credibility and public confidence. It urged the party to ensure that merit, fairness and due process guide future decisions.
“A democratic political party should encourage constructive criticism rather than suppress it. Internal debate strengthens a party; it does not weaken it,” the group said.
It urged the State Chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, and other leaders to ensure that party affairs are conducted through appropriate structures.
The group commended aspirants who spoke during reconciliation meetings, but said reconciliation would only be meaningful if every aggrieved member is heard and treated fairly.
It congratulated Hon. Seun Ogunniyi Adato on his emergence for Ojomu/Balogun Constituency and wished him success.
The group lamented that “selfish interests and excessive godfatherism are gradually replacing the democratic principles upon which our party was founded,” adding that such actions have created bitterness, exclusion and avoidable conflicts.
Kwara APC Like-Minds announced plans to hold a peaceful rally and solidarity march on Tuesday, July 28, in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and in affirmation of democratic values, justice, fairness and internal democracy.
“We urge all participants to remain peaceful, law-abiding and orderly throughout the exercise. Our objective is to demonstrate our commitment to democracy, party unity and the continued success of our great party,” the group said.
It reaffirmed loyalty to the APC and called on stakeholders, youths, women and elders in Offa to rise in defence of fairness, justice, inclusiveness and internal democracy.
“Together, we can rebuild our party,” the group concluded.
