The crisis rocking the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State took another dimension as political thugs suspected to be sponsored by faction loyal to Governor Seyi Makinde attacked Chief Nureni Akanbi’s Iba Oluyole Palace on Saturday.
The News Carrier NG reliably gathered the political stormed Iba Oluyole Palace around 5:00am Saturday and vandalised valuable properties.
Alhaji Nureni Akanbi is one of the aggrieved leaders of the PDP who are working towards electoral defeat of the governor in 2023.
A member of the aggrieved faction who does not want his name in print accused Southwest Zonal Chairman of PDP, Hon. Taofeek Arapaja and Alhaji Mukaila Auxiliary of being behind the attack.
- PDP Holds Parallel Congresses in 351 Wards
The two warring factions in Oyo State PDP are currently holding parallel congresses across 351 wards of the State.
Both Makinde’s faction and other faction, which has Alhaji Azeem Gbolarumi, Rt. Hon. Mulikat Akande, Engr. Femi Babalola, Alhaji Bisi Olopoeyan, Alhaji Nureni Akanbi battling to take control of the party in the state.
Recall that the aggrieved group, on Wednesday 22nd 2021, passed a ‘vote of no confidence’ on Governor Makinde.
They passed the ‘vote of no confidence’ at a meeting in Ibadan on Monday during which they also finalised plans to hold a parallel congress today.
The meeting, which attended by members from across the state, agreed to avoid violence and thuggery, stressing that they would allow members loyal to Makinde to participate if they show up.
The factional leaders assured their followers that efforts were being made at the state and national levels to ensure that ownership of the PDP reverts to the members of the party.
But the party, in a statement by the Publicity Secretary, Mr. Akeem Olatunji, described their action as anti-party borne out of selfish interest that is injurious to the well-being of the state.
The statement said: “Oyo State PDP learnt that some members of the party, who converged on a private venue in Ibadan, on Monday, accused Governor Makinde of reneging on his promises, prior to the 2019 governorship election, leading to what could be termed as passage of vote-of-no-confidence in Governor Makinde.”
According to Oyo State PDP, the party wondered why the so-called members resorted to blackmail, while embarking on a campaign of self-aggrandisement.
“The question to ask is: Have these so- called members explored all available party mechanisms designed for resolution of internal political misgivings and misunderstandings? The answer is no!” the party said.
