National Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Ward Congress in Oyo State has declared Sunday’s congress held in all the 351 wards of the state as successful and conclusive, almost uninterrupted and almost peaceful, the Nigerian Tribune reports.
Chairman, Congress Committee, Oyo State, Musa Halilu-Ahmed who made this announcement at APC state Secretariat, Ibadan, said the committee carried out all its activities backed by the law and in line with the guidelines of the All Progressives Congress.
However, in apparent recognition of the misgivings and attendant violence that led to the postponement of the Congress till Sunday, Halilu-Ahmed, said the APC had set up an appeal committee to look into the grievances of aggrieved party members.
In Saturday’s melee, Halilu-Ahmed said his life was threatened while two members suffered varying degrees of injuries, warranting the congress committee to postpone the congress from last Saturday till Sunday that it was held.
“The state chapter had its ward congresses yesterday and according to the reports I got from the three senatorial zones, the congress was successful.
“Furthermore, I am here as Chairman of the congress committee to say that whatever step we took was backed by the law and by the guidelines of the All Progressives Congress.
“In politics, there are winners and losers, and some that naturally who feel they must have it their way and if they can’t, then all hell must be let loose.
“You remember very vividly what happened when we arrived at this very hall on Saturday, our lives were threatened, my personal life was threatened, two of my members got injured, but we stood our ground knowing fully well that this great party can never be intimidated, most especially when we are carrying out a lawful process.
“In this regard, I want to appeal to our party executives that this process is not the end of it as the appeal committee is now present in the state. Anyone who has grievances or misgivings should channel them to the committee.
“I will want to express my heartfelt appreciation to the security agencies who stood to their ground despite the unfortunate incident and were able to put the situation under control which is the reason we had a smooth and almost peaceful and uninterrupted congresses across the state,” Halilu-Ahmed said.
Insideoyo.com gathered that the event was attended by Governor Abiola Ajimobi; Oyo APC Chairman, Chief Akin Oke; federal lawmakers, Honourables Saheed Fijabi and Akeem Adeyemi; Chairman, APC Oyo South Senatorial District, Mr Adefisoye Adekanye; Secretary Oyo APC, Mr Mojeed Olaoya; members of the state executive council and some other party members.