The Ondo State chapter chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ade Adetimehin, has been suspended from the party for gross misconduct and allegedly issuing statements that could incite unrest.
Naija News learnt that a group of disgruntled youths on Saturday besieged the Ondo State secretariat of the APC in Akure, the state capital, demanding the resignation of the party’s chairman in the state.
The demonstrators reportedly placed palm fronds and a white coffin inscribed with the words “Adetimehin Must Go” at the entrance of the party’s new State Secretariat in Akure.
Reports indicate that the youths were incensed by Adetimehin’s alleged call for military intervention in Nigeria.
Subsequently, the Executive Council members of the APC in Ofosu Ward, Idanre Local Government, convened an emergency meeting and suspended Adetimehin for the alleged inciting remark.
The suspension letter was signed by the ward Chairman, Olabisi Adepegba, along with 14 other Executive Council members, including Vice Chairman Olabisi Oyewole and Secretary Olanrewaju Akinnuoye.
Conversely, the Director of Publicity for the APC in Ondo State, Steve Otaloro, issued a statement rejecting the call for Adetimehin’s resignation.
“We wish to clarify that this action is not only constitutionally flawed but also undermines the principles of fairness and due process that our party upholds,” Otaro said.
The party chieftain argued that the essential processes were not followed in the instance, rendering the call for suspension invalid.
“The decision made by the Ofosu ward Exco of Idanre Local Government is inconsistent with the provisions of our party’s constitution and is, therefore, null and void. The reasons cited for this suspension lack substance and detail, suggesting that the actions taken may stem from personal grievances rather than legitimate concerns about leadership,” Channels Television quoted him saying.
Otaloro insisted that Adetimehin is still the Chairman of the APC in Ondo state.
“We want to reiterate that Engr. Ade Adetimehin remains the rightful Chairman of the APC in Ondo State. His leadership is crucial as we prepare for the upcoming local government elections, where we are committed to achieving victory for our party. We will not allow distractions from individuals with ulterior motives to deter us from our goals,” he said.
He sued for peace in the party, promising those responsible for the breach of protocol will be reprimanded.
“We urge our loyal party members in Idanre LG to refrain from any retaliatory actions against the members of the Ofosu Exco involved in this illegitimate suspension. Rest assured, those responsible for this breach of protocol will face appropriate consequences at the right time. For now, our priority is to focus on campaigning and ensuring a successful LG election.”
Naija News reports, however, that the suspended chairman has yet to issue any official statement regarding the allegations and the demand for his resignation as of the time of filing this report.