President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly met with about 76 leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Osun State at the Presidential Villa in Abuja as the party intensifies preparations for the August 15 governorship election.
The meeting, which reportedly took place late Monday night, was said to have focused on growing concerns over internal disagreements within the Osun APC and the need for party leaders to work together ahead of the election.
According to sources cited in the report, the meeting followed an intelligence report presented to the President by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, indicating that some APC leaders in the state were unhappy with what they described as their exclusion from party activities and the ongoing campaign.
The APC is fielding Bola Oyebamiji as its governorship candidate.
Sources who reportedly attended the meeting said some of the party leaders used the opportunity to express their grievances directly to Tinubu.
One former lawmaker quoted in the report said the meeting provided an opportunity for the President to hear concerns about the distribution of federal appointments involving Osun politicians.
The source alleged that several appointments were concentrated among members of the political camp associated with former Osun State Governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
The leaders reportedly told Tinubu that some members of the party felt excluded from the running of the party and were concerned about whether they would be carried along if the APC wins the governorship election.
The claims were made by unnamed party members and could not independently be established from the information provided.
According to the sources, Tinubu urged the party leaders to put their differences aside and work towards the victory of the APC candidate.
The President reportedly reminded the leaders of the importance of the party winning the forthcoming election, particularly in light of the APC’s previous electoral setbacks in the state.
One source quoted Tinubu as telling the leaders that the party should not allow internal disagreements to undermine its chances at the polls.
Another source said the President assured the leaders that there would be opportunities for party members at the federal level.
The attendees reportedly left the meeting satisfied with the President’s response to their concerns.
The APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, was reportedly involved in coordinating the meeting.
According to sources cited by Sunday PUNCH, the Presidency contacted Basiru to identify and coordinate APC leaders from Osun who were considered important to the party’s electoral efforts.
Some of the leaders reportedly travelled from Ibadan, while others travelled from Lagos before proceeding to Abuja.
The meeting was also reportedly attended by several former lawmakers and former state assembly speakers, including Olubunmi Ette, Mojeed Alabi, Adejare Bello, Wale Afolabi and Babajide Omoworare, among other party leaders.
The Osun APC Publicity Director, Kola Olabisi, confirmed that he was aware of the meeting but declined to provide further details.
APC, Accord Party Clash Over Alleged Election Hackers
Meanwhile, a separate controversy has emerged in Osun State after the Accord Party accused the APC of allegedly harbouring election hackers ahead of the governorship election.
The allegation was contained in a statement signed by the Accord Party’s Osun State Chairman, Victor Akande.
The party alleged that individuals described as hackers had been brought into Osogbo from Lagos and Abuja and were operating from a hotel in the state capital.
According to the Accord Party, the alleged operation was intended to compromise INEC’s electronic systems and manipulate election results.
The party called on security agencies to investigate the allegation and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strengthen the security of its electoral technology.
These allegations remain claims by the Accord Party and have not been established as fact based on the information available in the report.
Osun APC Denies Hacker Allegation
The Osun APC rejected the allegation, describing it as false and baseless.
The party’s spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, said the APC had no need to engage in electoral malpractice to win the election.
“The allegation that our party is harbouring hackers in a particular hotel in Osogbo is false and without any foundation,” Olabisi said.
He challenged the Accord Party to report any suspected criminal activity to the appropriate security agencies rather than make public allegations.
Olabisi also accused the opposition party of making the claim out of fear of losing the election.
What to Watch Ahead of the Osun Election
The reported meeting between Tinubu and Osun APC leaders highlights the importance of internal party cohesion as the August 15 governorship election approaches.
The competing claims over alleged electoral hacking also place attention on the security of the electoral process and the need for political parties to provide evidence when making serious allegations.
For now, the APC maintains that it is united behind Bola Oyebamiji, while the party’s internal leaders have been urged to work together ahead of the poll.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Tinubu meet Osun APC leaders?
According to sources cited in the report, the meeting was held to address concerns about internal disagreements and alleged sidelining of some APC leaders ahead of the governorship election.
How many Osun APC leaders attended?
The sources cited in the report put the number at about 76 leaders.
Who is the APC candidate in Osun?
The APC candidate for the governorship election is Bola Oyebamiji.
What did the Accord Party accuse the APC of doing?
The Accord Party alleged that the APC was harbouring individuals it described as election hackers. The APC denied the allegation.
Has the allegation of election hacking been proven?
No. Based on the material provided, the allegation remains an accusation by the Accord Party and a denial by the APC.
