Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Okeagbe in Akoko North West Local Council Area of Ondo State on Monday, denied working against the ruling party in the state in the area.
The leaders of APC from Ward 3 in Okeagbe, who distanced themselves from working and romancing with opposition parties, described the allegations and claims as not only false but a calculated attempt to smear their image.
They explained that they are being threatened to abolish the Independence Consultative Council (ICC) and renounce their membership, who worked towards the emergence of the state Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the last governorship election in the state.
The APC leaders maintained that the ICC was formed as an independent campaign group across all 18 council areas to ensure the victory of Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa in last year’s November governorship election.
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Speaking during a press conference in Akure, Ondo state capital, the Coordinator of ICC, ward 3, Okeagbe, Akoko North West, Olumide Victor Aliu, said it was unimaginable that a section of APC members in Akoko North West begun stigmatizing his members and labelled them oppositions leaders.
Aliu stated that several meetings of the ICC were disrupted and the leaders maligned and assaulted by some elements within the party.
According to him, “All these draconian, primitive and barbaric actions on the ICC members are not acceptable and will no longer be tolerated henceforth.
“Groups gathering together peacefully for good governance as enshrined in Nigeria constitution under the charter of freedom of association.
“Any individual against such peaceful gathering is indirectly against the Nigerian constitution. ICC is not directed or targeted against any individual or group.
“We will not tolerate any intimidation of our members henceforth for exercising their constitutional rights. We therefore call on Governor Aiyedatiwa for protection for ICC members in Ward 3.”