Real Reasons APC Banned Sub-groups In Lagos…Leaders Vow to Deal With Anyone Who Violates New Order

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State appears to have begun efforts to prevent some members of the party from going out of control as the race for 2023 general elections is gathering momentum.

In a move that got to many as the surprise of the year, the leaders of the ruling political party in the state have announced the ban of subgroups within the party.

It was revealed in a communique signed by prominent members and leaders of the party in the state that powerful groups such as the Justice Forum (JF) and Mandate Group (MG) were no longer recognized in the party.

The communique was signed by 27 members of the party including its National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Lagos State Governor, H.E Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu, his Deputy, H.E. Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, former governor of Lagos, H.E Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, Minister of Works and Housing, H.E. Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi and Otunba Henry Oladele Ajomale.

It was also signed by Otunba Bushura Alebiosu, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, Omoba Murphy Adetoro, Cardinal (Dr) James Odunmbaku?, Senator Tony Adefuye?, Alhaji S.A. Seriki (BAMU) and Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Bashorun.

Others include Prince Rabiu Oluwa, Chief M.A. Taiwo?, Alhaji Lawal Mutiu Are, Dr. Yomi Finnih?, Omoba Muyiwa Sosanya and Prof. Tunde Samuel.

The rest are Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Chief Lanre Rasak (KLM)?, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, Alhaji Babatunde Balogun, Mr. Wale Edun, H.E Dr. Mrs Ranti Adebule and Chief Mrs.Olukemi Nelson.

It was stated in the communiqué that “while we expect all party members to have the same general political outlook and philosophy the truth is some members will gravitate more to certain members, than others.

“This is true of any human community of any large number. There is a tendency to form subgroups. While this has some positive aspects it also has dangers if left unrestrained. Such groups are necessary when it comes to primaries and the internal competition that primaries call for.

“However, we cannot allow such groups to become permanent identifications that rival what should be the primary identification as a party member. If we allow factionalism hold sway, we not only weaken the party, soon those who should see each other as brothers and sisters in the same party will view each other with increasing enmity as rivals instead of members of the same political family.

“We have watched with some disappointment the stubbornness with which some people cling to these two informal affiliations as if the contest between the two is the most important matter.

“Due to this unhealthy and excessive competition, many have lost sight of the true objective of the party – that of bringing democratic good governance and progressive reform to the people.”

The leaders of the party stressed that if anyone was preoccupied with factional infighting, he would have little time for the hard work of progressive governance.

“In fact, you will eschew this work which is the true essence of our existence. You would have turned us into just another political party.

“However, we did not suffer through the dangers and pain of the pro-democracy movement for our party to disintegrate in such a manner. Too many of us sacrificed too much for empty factionalism to taint the fate of the party.

“We have announced on many occasions at Consultative Forum and other fora that such permanent factional groupings breach the spirit, letter and history of our party.

“While members are allowed to create ad-hoc groups to canvass support during a party primary or to advance some identifiable policy initiatives, we can no longer afford any permanent factions particularly when the factions bear no true ideological distinctions but serve merely as vehicles to foster and advance personal ambitions at the sacrifice of party cohesion.

“In consideration of the above, the leaders of the party held a meeting today.

“At that meeting, it was unequivocally resolved that all factions like JF and MG are inimical to party unity and are hereby permanently disbanded and prohibited within the party.

“Party members should no longer make use of these factions or their names with regard to future party businesses and activities. To continue to hold meetings in the name of these groups or to continue to promote such associations will amount to a violation of this resolution.

“The only permitted use of the names will be limited to historic references.

“Any violation of this decision is subject to party discipline, including suspension and expulsion. This prohibition extends solely to official party business.

“We are in no way trying to abridge anyone’s constitutional rights to free speech or assembly. The party chairman is hereby tasked with promulgating more detailed regulations with regard to prohibited and permissible activities for sub-party groupings.

“The party remains supreme. It has developed structures from the ward level to local government and state levels. These are recognized by the party’s constitution. They are adequate platforms for members to congregate and to present their views.

“The APC in Lagos is one party and one family. We must always act in this spirit if we are to attain the dream of democratic prosperity that we set out to achieve. We must do this in honor of June 12 and those who gave part of themselves to make democracy our reality,” the communique read.

The Mandate Group, made up of Tinubu’s core loyalists, was relaunched by Aregbesola on May 26, 2020 but it was gathered that the former Lagos governor was not in the picture.

Abdullahi Enilolobo, the APC Organising Secretary in the state, was picked as the new chairman to replace James Odunmbaku, who moved up as the “apex leader”.

Aregbesola was made the grand patron at the meeting which took place at his Ikeja GRA residence.

The latest move of Asiwaju has allegedly weakened the power of Aregbesola in the state and the “stage is now set for a real battle between the two power brokers.”