IBADAN – Unity Forum, a group within Oyo State Chapter of African Democratic Congress (ADC), has called for the immediate cancellation of the state congress held on Tuesday.
The group’s Coordinator, Dr Busari Adebisi, told journalists in Ibadan on Thursday that the congress, which had earlier been postponed by party’s national leadership, was ” unconstitutional and spuriously illegal”.
The group asked the ADC national leadership to cancel the congress within 72 hours, failing which it would consider other options for its members.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a faction of the party, led by a former governor, Chief Rashidi Ladoja and Chief Michael Koleoso, had on August 28 conducted the congress.
“We are leaving avenue for the resolution of the impunity which is the characteristics of the key players involved in this logjam.
“If not adhered to, we will consider any other option for our teeming members to realise their political ambition and our numerous supporters yearning for good governance,” the forum said.
The group wondered how a state congress was held without a delegates list since the ward and local government congresses were inconclusive.
It resolved that any attempt to foist or impose the list of executive members from any quarters would be vehemently opposed.
“Notice of postponement was well circulated among members and delegates for the state congress of the party who then decided to remain at their respective councils.
However, Sen. Monsurat Sunmonu (ADC-Oyo Central) who arrived midway into the briefing, assured members of the forum that the crisis would soon be resolved.
She said that the efforts of the forum was not for personal gains but to liberate the people of the state and promote good governance.
Also speaking, Mr Yinka Olona, an ADC chieftain, said they have petitioned the party’s national working committee and called for outright cancellation of the congress.
He said that the congress was done in secrecy and did not represent the interest of larger percentage of the party members.
Among those at the news conference were Alhaji Isiaka Alimi, Chief Goke Oyetunji, Alhaji Gani Alade, Hon Lasun Adebunmi, Barrister Yissau Sallam, Hon Kolade Olagunju and Dr Wasiu Olatubosun.
Present at the briefing were ADC representatives from the 33 local government areas of the state.
