Peace may be returning to the Ondo State All Progressives Congress (APC), following the withdrawal of a suit challenging the authentic chairman, Ade Adetimehin.
Erstwhile factional chairman Idodu Otetubi has withdrawn the suit No. FHC /AK/CS/10/2019 at the High Court, Akure, pledging his loyalty to the state Executive Committee, led by Adetimehin, an engineer.
However, the chapter is still battling with three main crises. These are the ruptured relationship between Governor Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) and his deputy, Agboola Ajayi; the controversy over an undisclosed account, which had been blown out of proportion; and the onslaught of the divided and rancorous Unity Forum against the governor as the chapter prepares for primary election.
Adetimehin is said to be working hard to ensure a cohesive party ahead of the shadow poll.
He has the backing of the Southwest leader, Pastor Bankole Oluwajana, who is concerned about the disunity in the chapter.
Hailing Otetubi for his reconciliatory moves, Oluwajana said the patriotic decision and step would unite the party, adding that the display of loyalty and commitment would not go unnoticed.
In a statement by the zonal Publicity Secretary, Karounwi Oladapo, the zonal leader urged other aggrieved chieftains to jettison personal interests for collective aspirations.
Oluwajana said: “The party further reiterates that APC places high premium on elevating the collective interests of the party above individual interests.
“Similar factions in APC wherever they exist in other states of the Southwest were advised to follow the good example of Idowu Otetubi in the overall interest of the party.”
He added: “There are consequences for good behaviour as well as bad behaviour. The party commends Otetubi’s action and advises other members of APC who have an axe to grind with the party in Ondo State to follow suit and reconcile themselves in the overall interest of the party.”