Barely 24 hours after publishing a story on the plan by Governor Abiola Ajimobi to hijack the structure of the All Progressives Congress, APC, ahead of the 2019 elections, his executive assistant on political matters, Dr. Morohunkola Thomas has faulted it, describing it as “a great demonstration of jaundiced journalism bordering on sensationalism where issues are published without thorough investigation.”
Armed with reliable information from major stakeholders within the party, insideoyo.com had published how party members and the governor are planning for Showdown should Ajimobi go ahead with the alleged plan to dissolve party executives.
But Thomas, who had been commissioner thrice in the state, said his boss is a firm believer in the rule of law, adding that the governor has been accessible to all party members.
EXCLUSIVE: Oyo APC, Ajimobi Set For Showdown Over Plan To ‘Hijack’ Party Structure
Read the statement below.
“To set the record straight, Governor Abiola Ajimobi is a democratic leader who believes in following the rule of law in the conduct of his affairs as the head of the state government and leader of Oyo state APC. The state executive council meetings are devoted to strictly state affairs and party politics has no place there. So for anyone to assert that he discussed APC issues at any of such meetings is not only fallacious but in fact a first class fiction.
“Governor Ajimobi as the leader of the APC seriously subscribes to the principle of providing a level playing ground for all members of the party regardless of their political orientation. In 2015, he never sponsored any candidate for any elective office. That is why he provided the necessary logistics for all the candidates than ran for elections in 2015 without exception. He eventually led the party to victory.
“His Excellency, the Governor has a very warm relationship with the members of the state executive council of our party. He holds regular meetings with the excos and consults them from time to time. The Governor has shown commitment to the promotion of good health and well-being of the party and its leaders. Members of the excos are at various times appointed into various committees of the government.
“Only recently the Governor bought a brand new bus for the state excos of the party. Also, two weeks ago he singlehandedly sponsored the party to host the APC Public Meeting on True Federalism. If this kind of relationship exists as I know, how can there be a face off between the Governor and the party leaders.
“To this end, the story on the intention of the Governor to dissolve the exco is far far from the truth.
“I must say that the Governor is busy conducting the business of government to give our party a good standing. He is not thinking of the 2019 election now but busy working with the party leaders to build a virile party that will win elections in the coming years.
“Please always try to cross check your facts before going to press,” he added.
