Don’t destroy Ogun APC, Youths warn Oshiomhole

HUNDREDS of youths in the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Friday, staged a protest demanding recognition for the party’s anointed candidate, Hon Adekunle Akinlade, as its flagbearer of the general elections.

This development is coming up on the heels of a solidarity rally held by 276 councillors of the party, backing the candidature of prince Dapo Abiodun, on Thursday, at Iperu-Remo.

The youths armed by placards with inscriptions such as “No to imposition, return our collective mandate to Akinlade”, “Don’t impose unpopular candidate on us”, “We want Akinlade and not Abiodun” among others walked from the Cultural Centre, Kuto, through to the Governor’s Office at Oke-Mosan.

The youths through the protest sent a warning signal to Oshiomhole, asking him not to destroy the party in the State.

Speaking on behalf of the youths, Yemi Amusa, submitted that the election that pronounced Akinlade as the winner of the October 2 governorship primaries conducted by the leadership of the party in the State was monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant security agencies.

Amusa said the youths are solidly behind Akinlade and would continue to resist any imposition by the leadership of the party until justice is done.

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He said: ” We are here today so that history will be recorded that youths in the APC fold are protesting against the inaction of the National Working Committee and leadership of the party for denying us our mandate.

“We are here to express our displeasure on the recognition of Abiodun as the party’s candidate. We will never agree with the decision of both the NWC and Oshiomhole. Abiodun can never and will never be our candidate. We will fight this injustice. This demonstration is just a tip of the iceberg.”

Addressing the protesters, the Chief of Staff to Governor Ibikunle Amosun, Chief Tolu Odebiyi, assured them that their messages would be transmitted to the governor for appropriate action.

Meanwhile, the Forum of Councilors of APC said it would continue to support the decision and recognition of Abiodun as the governorship candidate.

Speaking on behalf of the councillors, Hon Adewale Aka said the solidarity show of support became necessary in view of different anti-Dapo Abiodun protests by some party members.

Aka insisted that party’s decision must be respected by loyal and faithful members.