Afenifere, the Pan Yoruba Socio-Political Group, has urged for a ceasefire between the incumbent governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, and the former governor, Gbenga Daniel. The call comes amidst allegations of non-support for President Bola Tinubu during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries and working against the party. Abagun Kole Omololu, the National Organising Secretary of Afenifere, issued a statement in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, appealing to the leaders’ supporters to halt the exchange of words and refrain from actions that tarnish the Omoluabi values of the Yoruba people.
In the statement, Omololu expressed disappointment over a press release by the Assistant Publicity Secretary of the Ogun State Chapter of the APC, Mr. Olusola Ogunsanya, which contained derogatory remarks about Gbenga Daniel, a former governor who served the state for eight years. The APC’s statement defended Governor Dapo Abiodun, who recently won re-election, but Afenifere criticized the divisive language used by the ruling party’s chapter, deeming it unethical and unacceptable.
While acknowledging that disagreements may arise between the two leaders, Afenifere stressed that Ogun APC, as a chapter of the ruling party, should prioritize peace and harmony among its members. The group accused Ogun APC of taking sides rather than utilizing the party’s conflict resolution mechanisms to reconcile the governor and his predecessor. Afenifere emphasized the importance of resolving conflicts within political parties and condemned the uncivilized conduct exhibited by the Ogun APC, particularly when it concerns prominent leaders of society.
Furthermore, Afenifere expressed concern over party officials who denigrate one political leader while praising another, using divisive tactics to achieve political goals. The group warned the Ogun APC’s State Working Committee and State Executive Committee against deepening divisions among elected officials and called on them to promote unity instead.
Omololu added that if the State Working Committee lacks the capacity to foster peaceful coexistence among its elected officials, it should refrain from taking actions that exacerbate differences among the leaders, for the overall benefit of the people.
Afenifere’s plea for a ceasefire and condemnation of the Ogun APC’s conduct highlights the need for political parties to prioritize unity and conflict resolution in their ranks.
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