Osun APC Receives Returnee Factional Members, Stresses Need For Genuine Reconciliation

By Ayodele Oni

The All Progressive Congress (APC) faction loyal to former Governor Gboyega Oyetola in Osun state has welcomed the decision of its rival faction, The Osun Progressive, (TOP) to return to the fold.

Chairman of the faction, Sooko Taju Lawal said in Osogbo that members are not averse to genuine reconciliation being canvassed by leaders of TOP in the state.

The Osun Progressives (TOP) loyal to the Minister of interior, Rauf Aregbesola, had in Osogbo on Tuesday, announced its dissolution and return to the mainstream.

Former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Najeem Folasayo Salaam who is a chieftain of the TOP announced the dissolution of the body with a disclosure that it has the blessing of Aregbesola, the who is the patron of the group.

Salaam hinted that it was the resolve of the dissolved TOP leaders to move the party forward in the state that necessitated their calling for truce.

In his response to the development, Sooko  Lawal, the State Acting Chairman of the party, in a statement stated that he saluted the courage of the dissolved leaders and members of the group to tow the line of peace, which has no alternative for political stability, tranquility and improved fortune of the APC.

“The state leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State of Osun received the news of the decision by ‘The Osun Progressives (TOP)’ to formally disband the group and the factional executives at all levels of the party in the state with an open arm which, it is believed, would translate to the reinvigoration of the party in all ramifications.

“The decision of TOP to tow the path of working with the mainstream is a welcome development as our leader, the immediate-past Governor Gboyega Oyetola, is also favourably disposed to any genuine and authentic reconciliation.

“Therefore, we call on all members of the now disbanded group to reintegrate with the party at their respective wards and local government and join in the party’s activities towards the 2023 General Elections in respect of the Presidential, National and State Assemblies Election.”

The Acting Chairman disclosed to the dissolved TOP members and leaders that it’s the more, the merrier in politics as it’s a game of numbers.

“On behalf of the state leadership of our party,  current state executive committee of our party and the entire leaders and members of our party across the state, I hereby state that we are not opposed to a genuine reconciliation.

“If one does not forget the injustices of yesterday, it will be pretty difficult to have playmates.”

Lawal however, disclosed that the party executive under his watch would initiate and call a meeting anytime it is deemed necessary for such meeting.