By Ikechukwu Okaforadi
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has recorded parallel congresses in Ogbomoso and Ibadan areas of the State, despite the warning by the party leadership cautioning members against such actions.
APC ward congresses were held across the country on Saturday, with that of Oyo State being held under the supervision of Alhaji Gambo Lawan.
It was however learnt that parallel congresses were held in some wards in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area and other parts of the town.
It was alleged that the parallel congresses were held by loyalists of a former Governor of the State, Chief Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, and those of the Minister of Youths and Sports, Sunday Dare.
Recall that Alao-Akala and Dare and the Chairman of the party in the state, Chief Akintola Oke, are from Ogbomoso North LGA, just as parallel congresses were also reported in some parts of Ibadan, the state capital.
Findings revealed that the parallel congresses were held in some parts of Ibadan South East and Akinyele local government areas. The parallel Congresses were held in Ward 2 of Ibadan South East and Ward 8 of Akinyele.
Publicity Secretary of the party, Abdulaziz Olatunde, however denied knowledge of the parallel congresses.
Speaking on Sunday, Olatunde noted that anyone organising parallel congresses is on his own.
“The issue of proliferation of congresses does not make sense. Because the party from Abuja has warned against such.
“And if any group is found doing that, they are on their own. But, to the best of my knowledge, there is nothing like parallel congresses in existence”, he said.
