The Osun APC 2022 Chairmanship Aspirants Forum has dismissed reports alleging that its members held secret meetings with Governor Ademola Adeleke over the repayment of nomination form fees or the acceptance of appointments in the state government.
The forum described the claims as false, misleading, and aimed at creating division within the ranks of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State.
Speaking during an emergency stakeholders’ meeting held in Osogbo, the Chairman and Coordinator of the forum, Hon. Adebayo Temitope, a former spokesman to late Afenifere leader, Senator Ayo Fasanmi, said no member of the group had entered into any arrangement with the state government.
According to him, the forum consists of over 50 aspirants who purchased nomination forms and contested for chairmanship positions on the platform of the APC during the 2022 local government election process.
He stressed that all members remain committed and loyal to the APC, adding that rumours suggesting otherwise were the handiwork of political mischief-makers seeking to sow discord among party faithful.
“Our attention has been drawn to unfounded reports alleging that members of this forum met with Governor Ademola Adeleke over issues relating to nomination form refunds and appointments as Senior Special Assistants. We wish to state categorically that these reports are false and should be disregarded by party members and the general public,” Adebayo said.
The forum leader disclosed that following engagements with notable party leaders and stakeholders, including the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Osun State, Hon. Samuel Abiodun, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President, Hon. Isa Niniola, members were assured that their sacrifices, commitment, and contributions to the growth of the party would not be overlooked.
He noted that members of the forum have since intensified grassroots mobilisation efforts across the state, participating actively in door-to-door campaigns and other political activities aimed at strengthening the APC ahead of future elections.
Reacting to reports linking members of the forum to opposition parties, Adebayo maintained that no member was contemplating defection to the Accord Party or any other political platform.
“The APC remains our party. We remain steadfast, loyal, and committed to the progressive ideals that have continued to define our great party. No member of this forum is considering leaving the APC for any other political party,” he stated.
The chairman also clarified that the recognized leadership of the Osun APC 2022 Chairmanship Aspirants Forum remains the only body authorized to speak on behalf of the group.
He alleged that some individuals who did not participate in the 2022 chairmanship nomination process were falsely presenting themselves as leaders of the forum and issuing unauthorized statements capable of misleading the public.
At the end of the meeting, members of the executive committee reaffirmed their loyalty to the APC and pledged to continue working for the unity, growth, and electoral success of the party in Osun State.
The communiqué was endorsed by executive members and coordinators of the forum drawn from various local government areas across the state.
