Fallout of Ondo APC Congress: Groups foresee crisis if situation is not well-managed

BY ADETOKUNBO ABIOLA

Following the conduct of the Ondo State chapter of the All People’s Congress (APC), despite a restraining order issued by the Federal High Court sitting in Akure, groups have started warning that failure to address the situation promptly by the national body could push the party into a deep internal crisis.

One of such groups, The Oodua Progressive Youth League (OPYL), made the observation through a press statement in Akure, capital of Ondo State earlier today, noting that holding the congress amid a subsisting court order has generated tension and uncertainty among members in the state.

OPYL described the situation in the state as troubling, noting that the decision to hold the Congress has led to a situation whereby some factions are reportedly threatening to form parallel committees or pursue legal action.

In the statement, OPYL said, “Respect for judicial pronouncements is not negotiable. As a ruling party, the APC must lead by example. Obedience to court orders strengthens democracy and reinforces public confidence in our institutions.”

OPYL warned that if the issues arising from the Congress were not carefully managed, they could snowball into prolonged litigation, but a decisive action from the party’s national hierarchy would help restore calm, reinforce discipline, reassuring members that the APC remained committed to internal democracy and respect for the rule of law.

The youth group said the situation required immediate intervention from the national leadership to prevent a total breakdown of discipline.

The statement said OPYL did not want a situation where the party slipped into avoidable fragmentation, since the signs were already there, and that the national leadership must act swiftly.

Calling on the National Working Committee to wade into the matter, OPYL’s statement said that the national body should review the situation, engage all stakeholders, and ensure that unity and discipline were restored.

The youth organisation also urged aggrieved members to remain calm and allow internal mechanisms to resolve the dispute.

“Dialogue, reconciliation, and respect for legal processes remain the surest path to lasting peace,” the statement concluded.

It would be recalled that an Akure High Court stopped the holding of the state congress of the APC, which led to the election of Hon. Kolawole Babatunde, a former member of the House of Representatives and an ally of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as the new state chairman.