Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State have dismissed as false and misleading a social media publication alleging that Senator Hosea Agboola (Alleluya) described Oke-Ogun as “unripe” for the governorship seat in the state.
The APC stakeholders’ forum, led by a former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief Iyiola Oladokun, reacted to the claim while addressing journalists after a meeting held at Oladokun’s residence in Ado-Awaye.
The forum faulted the publication credited to one Barrister P.O. Adesokan, noting that he was neither invited to nor present at the meeting where the alleged statement was said to have been made.
According to the stakeholders, Senator Agboola never described Oke-Ogun as unripe for the governorship. Rather, they explained that the senator only advised leaders and stakeholders from the zone to be forthright and meticulous in their agitation for either the governorship position or the senatorial slot ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
They expressed surprise that someone who was absent from the meeting could attribute statements to Senator Agboola, describing the report as erroneous and capable of causing unnecessary tension within the party.
“It will be unfair for someone who was not at the meeting to misquote and put words into the mouths of those who attended such a sensitive meeting,” the APC chieftains stated.
The stakeholders stressed that there was nothing wrong in party leaders offering guidance to members and aspirants, adding that such advice should not be misconstrued as an attempt to undermine the political aspirations of Oke-Ogun.
They further noted that Oke-Ogun is endowed with capable and competent individuals who have distinguished themselves in various fields, both within and outside the state, through dedication, integrity and exemplary service.
The forum therefore called on party members, aspirants and their supporters to exercise restraint and avoid actions capable of igniting disunity within the APC.
“Every party member, aspirant and supporter should work for the success of our great party and avoid polluting the political atmosphere in the state, as such actions could be counterproductive to the interests of any aspirant,” the stakeholders warned.
