Elders of the All Progressives Congress under the platform of the PBAT Mandate Elders Forum have expressed dissatisfaction over the conduct of the party recent ward congress in Ondo State, describing the exercise as divisive and deeply troubling.
The ward congress was reportedly disrupted in parts of Idanre Local Government Area, where hoodlums allegedly attacked party members. Several persons were injured and vehicles were set ablaze during the violence. Among the victims was the brother of the APC State Chairman, Raphael Adetimehin, who was said to have been brutally attacked by suspected political thugs in his ward in Idanre.
Despite the unrest, the ward Congress committee led by Mrs Margaret Araruenu declared the exercise successful.
Speaking at the monthly meeting of the forum in Akure, the Ondo State capital, the facilitator of the group, Dr Ademola Ijabiyi, lamented that the crisis had polarized the party. He disclosed that the elders had written to Bola Tinubu, urging him to intervene and prevent further division within the party.
Ijabiyi stated that the forum was committed to advancing the President re election bid and could not ignore developments capable of undermining party unity. He noted that parallel congresses were held in several wards, creating confusion and resentment among members.
He expressed confidence that Tinubu, as national leader of the party, would act on the memo submitted to him and resolve the lingering issues in Ondo State.
On the alleged rift between Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, Ijabiyi said the elders were unaware of any open conflict, noting that both leaders had publicly denied any disagreement.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chairman of the Forum, Mr Olorunnibe Tawose, said the meeting also featured health support initiatives for elderly members, including sugar level checks, cholesterol tests, blood pressure screening and prostate examination, alongside distribution of necessary medications.
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