Crisis Looms in APC Omu-aran Ward 1 as Hon. Raheem Ajuloopin Conducts Parallel Ward Congress, Defying Party Directive
Irepodun, Kwara State – The All Progressives Congress (APC) Omu-aran Ward 1 in Irepodun Local Government area of Kwara State has been thrown into a state of turmoil following what party members describe as a unilateral and rebellious act by the three-term federal lawmaker, Honourable Raheem Ajuloopin representing Irepodun/Oke-Ero/Isin and Ekiti federal constituency in the National Assembly.
Contrary to the clear directives issued by the Kwara State APC leadership, which mandated the reaffirmation of the existing ward executives, Hon. Ajuloopin reportedly went ahead to form an entirely new set of ward executives. This action has been met with widespread condemnation from party stakeholders, executives, and the general membership of the ward.
According to the state party’s guidelines, the congress was intended to be a simple affirmation exercise to retain the current executive structure and ensure continuity. However, sources within the ward confirmed that the lawmaker orchestrated a parallel process to install a factional leadership loyal to him, a move seen as a direct affront to the party’s chain of command.
In an emergency gathering following the incident, the authentic ward party members, the established Executive Committee, and respected leaders of the constituency expressed their profound displeasure and disappointment. They described Hon. Ajuloopin’s actions as not only an act of insubordination but a calculated attempt to destabilize the party structure at the grassroots level.
"We are shocked and saddened that a leader of his status, who has benefitted immensely from the party’s platform for three terms, would be the one to violate the party’s constitution and disregard a simple state directive," a spokesperson for the aggrieved members stated. "His action is a slap on the face of the party leadership and a disservice to the loyal members who have worked tirelessly to build the APC in this ward."
The stakeholders have formally distanced themselves from the parallel executives purportedly set up and submitted by the lawmaker and have called for urgent intervention from the highest echelons of the party.
In a passionate appeal, the party faithful in Omu-aran Ward 1 called on the leader of the party in the state and the Executive Governor of Kwara State, His Excellency Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq CON, to take immediate notice of this breach of peace. They also pleaded with the State Party Chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, to wield the big stick to preserve the integrity of the party.
The members are demanding a comprehensive probe into the circumstances surrounding the unauthorized Executive list submitted by the Lawmaker. They insist that Hon. Raheem Ajuloopin must be penalized for his actions to serve as a deterrent to others who might seek to undermine the party’s authority and create factions.
"Governor Abdulrazaq has built a unified party based on loyalty and respect for due process. We cannot allow anyone, no matter how highly placed, to tear down what we have built," the statement continued. "We trust in the wisdom of His Excellency and Prince Fagbemi to call the lawmaker to order and reaffirm the mandate of the existing executives."
As of the time of filing this report, Hon. Raheem Ajuloopin has not issued an official response to the allegations. However, the development has created palpable tension in the ward, with party loyalists awaiting the swift intervention of the state leadership to prevent further disintegration of the party's cohesion in the area.
The outcome of the state party’s response is now keenly awaited, as it will set a significant precedent for discipline and loyalty within the Kwara APC structure.
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