2023: OPC Faction Backs Tinubu’s Presidential Ambition

By Akinwale Kasali

A faction of the the Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, (New Era) has declared its support for the All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as the 2023 Presidential Election draws closer.

The Group had also refuted reports in a National  newspaper indicating that the organisation is against the APC candidate.

In a statement released on Sunday, signed by the National General Secretary, Oyename Adebayo, the group said the report credited to one Sina Akinpelu was a misinterpretation of  OPC‘s stand on the 2023 Presidential election.

The group said the report in The Guardian newspaper of 14th October 2022, where Akinpelu claimed OPC is against Tinubu does not represent the position already taken by the Congress of OPC New Era indicating full support for Tinubu ahead of the 2023 elections.

It stated that there was nothing farther from the truth than this, as the Group see it as nothing more than a very unprofessional, calculated and thoughtless endeavour by Akinpelu working as a hired tool to distort the collective decision of the OPC New Era.

Adebayo in the statement stressed that Akinpelu’s opinion is consistent with his flirtatious and rebellious spirit which he has demonstrated for more than two decades within the OPC at different times.

It added that the organisation has already set up Disciplinary Committee to investigate Akinpelu, adding that the group will take a firm decision after the report of the Committee has been submitted to the Congress.

“To falsely accuse us of such a hideous thought is nothing short of trying to turn Yoruba people against us.

“We are a Yoruba socio-cultural and self-determination group with the sole aim of furthering the best interest of the people of the South West.

“Consistently, we have put democratic  interests at the front burner of our thoughts and actions. As far as the aspiration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is concerned, we as a group cannot oppose it. We have affirmed it publicly, and have over the years, consistently  supported his pragmatic and statesmanly judgements and problem solving disposition.

“We cannot discount the possibility that some members of our cadre may have contrary opinions. But the collective position adopted by the majority of the over three and a half (3.5) million plus members of the group is for the organisation to endorse and back Tinubu. And this we have done. Along with over one  hundred and twenty one other Yoruba grassroots organisations.

“We, as witnesses and participants, in OPC from its foundation created the OPC New Era to pursue the genuine principle of  working at all times for the Yoruba interest(s) conscious of the repercussions of working against Yoruba interests

“In the past, those who worked against Yoruba interests  fractured the organisation.

“Today, Pan Yoruba groups working against Yoruba interests are alive to see the reward for their treachery against Yoruba interests.

“Many of them are today  like pariahs, running from pillar to post in search of relevance.

“It is, therefore, beyond reason for any member of OPC New Era to make such an unbecoming claim.

“If the reporter had made a little effort he should have known whom the Secretary or the President which he should have tried to clarify our position.

“The National Secretary of the Oodua People’s Congress (New Era) has always been Chief Adebayo Oyename. And at no time has he delegated anyone to speak on his behalf, particularly with the media.

“Adesina Akinpelu whom the reporter mentioned in the report never even acted as Secretary in the interim let alone substantively. While he was the National PRO, he was was expected to seek authority of the leadership before issuing statements on important issues like this.

“He has faced many cases that could have led to his expulsion for gross indiscipline and cannot therefore speak for this organisation.

“His duties have been taken over until further notice while the OPC will investigate the circumstances surrounding his utterances. We have over time noticed inconsistent and atypical behaviours in Akinpelu that made us believe he was a mole  amongst our fold.

“And he has proven beyond reasonable doubt with this false publication, that he is the traitor and turncoat we had suspected he would turn out to be.

“For the umpteenth time, appeal to the media to seek the opinion of the leadership on issues of this magnitude”.

The organization reiterated that the National Coordinating Council (NCC) and affiliate State leaders of its organisation have endorsed and adopted Tinubu’s 2023 Presidential aspiration and continue to pray and work for its success.