…Says Mrs Ajimobi has her own foes,
A group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, the Articulate Progressives, has described a report by the Oyo Youth Progressives (OYP), as a distraction from the pressing issues facing the party in the state.
Their rebuttal followed a statement issued by the Articulate Progressives, which criticised former First Lady, Chief (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi, alleging that her philanthropic efforts were a covert attempt to seize control of the party’s structure.
In a statement issued by the Articulate Progressives’ Chairman, Alhaji Kayode Adelani, and Secretary, Adepoju Ayodeji, the group questioned the OYP’s motives: “Where was OYP when the first and only son of our leader Senator Abiola Ajimobi contested and was defeated in 2023?”
“The turmoil that followed the 2019 elections, particularly after Senator Abiola Ajimobi’s passing in 2020, has significantly impacted the unity and strength of our party.”
The statement highlighted the internal rifts that have emerged since 2019, which have led to the departure of several key members.
“Instead of defending a single individual, OYP should focus its efforts on addressing the critical issues that threaten the party’s future,” the statement added.
While acknowledging Mrs. Ajimobi’s charitable initiatives during Ramadan, the Articulate Progressives emphasised, “These actions reflect her late husband’s legacy rather than a personal ambition to assume control. Such gestures, while commendable, cannot replace the leadership and unity that the APC urgently requires.”
The faction also underscored the importance of inclusivity and merit-based leadership within the party.
“This is not an attack on Mrs. Ajimobi but a necessary discourse for revitalising the APC. We must ensure that the party remains a democratic platform, resisting any drift towards familial legacies,” they stated.
The Articulate Progressives urged OYP to consider the broader implications of their stance, adding that: “The APC in Oyo State needs a concerted effort to rebuild and unify. A collective commitment to respect, inclusivity, and a shared vision for Oyo State’s progress is essential for the party’s rejuvenation.”
