Abeokuta – Concerned stakeholders and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun Central Senatorial District have dismissed allegations that the party’s recent communiqué was influenced by financial inducements or monetary considerations.
In a rejoinder issued on Sunday, the group described the claims as “false, misleading, and clearly designed to discredit a principled and collective decision.”
The communiqué, which has generated controversy, reportedly outlines the party’s position on representation and the future direction of the district. But according to the stakeholders, its resolutions were the outcome of extensive consultations and a shared commitment to party unity, discipline, and long-term stability.
“At no point were financial inducements or monetary incentives involved in the articulation or adoption of these resolutions,” the statement read. “Any suggestion to the contrary is a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and undermine the credibility of respected party leaders and grassroots executives.”
The group also provided context for the current position of Ogun Central APC leaders, pointing specifically to the conduct of former Governor Ibikunle Amosun during the 2019 and 2023 general elections.
According to the statement, Amosun openly supported a governorship candidate on the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in 2019, in direct opposition to the APC. Similarly, in 2023, he was again associated with the support and sponsorship of candidates from the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“These actions had far-reaching implications on party cohesion and electoral strategy, and they remain fresh in the memory of party leaders and loyal members who stayed committed and worked tirelessly to sustain the APC during those challenging periods,” the stakeholders said.
They argued that it is “natural and justified” for leaders and executives who remained steadfast in building the party to now take a principled stance on the district’s future representation.
The group also clarified that Governor Dapo Abiodun issued no directive regarding the communiqué.
“The decisions taken were independent, collective, and reflective of grassroots consensus across the six local governments in Ogun Central,” the statement said. “The leadership and stakeholders of Ogun Central are fully capable of making decisions in the best interest of the Party without external influence.”
While acknowledging the right of every party member to aspire to political office, the stakeholders insisted that such aspirations must be guided by “demonstrable loyalty, consistency, and respect for party supremacy.”
The group urged party members and the public to disregard what they called baseless allegations, adding that attempts to reduce a principled position to mere financial inducement are “demeaning to the sacrifices and integrity of party leaders.”
“Our position remains firm, principled, and in the overriding interest of the Party and the people of Ogun Central Senatorial District,” the statement concluded.
— Concerned APC Leaders and Stakeholders, Ogun Central Senatorial District
