ONDO APC CRISIS : CASE IN COURT STILL INTACT - Olatuja

All seems not yet well as the factional group of the ruling  All Progressive Congress ( APC)  Ondo State disowned the former Chairman, Mr. Idowu Otetubi, saying he acted on his personal interest to support Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for reelection. 

The group noted that it has the authentic APC executives, party register and delegates in the state due to the 2018 congresses at all levels in the state, adding that their record is properly documented at the national level of the party. 

While reacting , the Acting Chairman of the group, Mr. Henry Olatuja, declared this in Akure, noting that the faction, which consists of 11 plaintiffs, was still pursuing the litigation to challenge Engr. Ade Adetimehin-led APC executives in the state in the court of Law.

Olatuja recounted that there was no time which Otetubi contacted the executive committee to join Governor Akeredolu and to withdraw the case hearer at the Federal High Court, Akure Judicial Division. 

Meanwhile Otetubi, on Sunday, had declared his support for the second term bid of Akeredolu, adding that the Suit No: FUC/AK/CS/10/2019 to litigate against the congresses of the party in 2018.

But Olatuja, who led the executives of the faction across the state to assert their stance, affirmed that Otetubi had compromised his integrity and position in the party. 

"This is an attempt to frustrate the gubernatorial ambition of various aspirants within the party. His deflection to the governor's group would definitely allow for proper monitoring of our case and will stop the unnecessary exploitation of party leaders. 

"We want the party members and the general public to note that his joining Aketi Team has nothing to do with us and the case before the court," he affairmed. 

The Acting Chairman, Olatuja, who was the former Deputy Chairman, explained that they do not have confidence in the party under Adetimehin, urging the national leadership of the party to opt for direct primary for the state's governorship election in the state. 

"His reasons to withdraw his name as one of those challenging the legality of Mr. Ade Adetimehin-led executive committee, the 18 LG executives, and 203 wards executives has nothing to do with the right of other litigants to pursue their case to a logical conclusion.

"We support the agitation for direct primary for the selection of part candidate in forthcoming governorship election because the list of delegates at the national headquarter of the party in respect of Ondo State are two types. Direct primary would give equal opportunity for all the aspirants to participate effectively."

One of the Caretakers of Unity Forum, after Alhaji Ali Olanusi was sacked as the Chairman, Chief Bayo Olafusi, disclosed that Olatuja was appointed the Acting Chairman of the APC faction immediately Otetubi ditched the group. 

Olatuja and Olafusi, without mincing words, declared that "Mr Ade Adetimehin-led executive committee of APC in Ondo State remained illegal as far as we are concerned and need to be set aside. 

The group officially suspended the former factional chairman and secretary, Otetubi and Gani Mohammed, who had jointly joined forces with Governor Akeredolu for a second term bid.

While they pledged the loyalty of the group to the National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, the National Leader, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu and the Senate Deputy Leader, Ajayi Boroffice, appealing for justice in the matter.