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In what appeared an indication of internal squabbles within the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a faction of the party on Saturday held a parallel congress where Mrs. Beatrice Omotayo Tugbobo emerged as the State Chairman.
Mrs. Beatrice Omotayo Tugbobo
The congress, which took place at the Baptist Academy in the Obanikoro area of the state, was organized by a group led by immediate past Lagos State Governor, Akinwumi Ambode, under the aegis of Akinwunmi Ambode Campaign Organization (AMCO).
Alongside the position of State Chairman, Barrister Wasiu Adeyemi Sulaimon emerged the state Legal Adviser, being the only candidates standing election for their respective posts.
According to SaharaReporters, the national leadership of the party under Yobe State Governor Mala Buni has recognized Ambode’s faction and his list of executives which is part of a coup and ongoing efforts to weaken the influence of the party’s National Leader, Bola Tinubu who is reported to be eyeing the presidency in 2023.
Top sources also revealed that Ambode’s faction was sponsored by Buni, who is the chairman, Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee so as to weaken Tinubu in his perceived stronghold.
Addressing newsmen after her emergence, the chairman-elect admitted that there were factions in Lagos APC, pointing out that the exercise took place in line with the Party’s constitution, which according to her stipulated that the congress could be held by consensus arrangement or election.
She said, “According to the constitution of APC, you can conduct your congresses whether by consensus or by voting and the agreement from the National Headquarters of APC constitutionally is that we hold our congresses in a consensus manner.”
Tugbobo, while speaking on the factionalization rocking the party, lamented that potentials in APC are being sidelined, adding that some people had been elected into offices four to five times.
She stressed that it was left for leaders of the party to sit firm and address the important issues that will help to deepen internal democracy in the party.
Tugbobo added that the party in the state cannot break up but become stronger, saying they are the real APC in Lagos State.
Here is a list of the state executive by Ambode’s faction as obtained by SaharaReporters: Beatrice Omotayo Tugbobo, Chairman; Alhaji Dauda, Vice-chairman; Hon. Prince Adedeji Osho, Secretary; Hon. Akewushola Onoyemi, treasurer; Balogun Adekunle Hameed, Publicity Secretary; Youth Leader, Buhari Babajide Jimoh and Woman Leader, Ashafa Salawat.
Others are: Financial Sec, Prince Moruf.A. Anibire; Organizing Sec., Olamiji Alilu; Auditor, Adeosun Iyiola Abiodun; Legal Adviser, Wasiu Adeyemi Sulaimon; Youth Leader, Adelaja Moruf; Welfare Officer, Olusegun Moruf Bello; Ex-officer 1, Ibrahim Misbau Omoniyi; Ex-officer 2, Babatunde Collins Davies.
