Youth groups affiliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State have formally requested a comprehensive review of an unauthorized resolution allegedly targeted at the party’s National Youth Leader, Dr Dayo Israel. The coalition asserted that the disputed document lacks the backing, consultation, and authority of the broader party youth base in the region.
This demand was articulated on Tuesday in Akure following an emergency gathering of the Coalition of APC Youth Wings, an umbrella body that includes the APC Mandate Group, APC Youth Vanguard, APC Youth Volunteers, and APC Youths Advocates. The official statement was endorsed by the national coordinator of the coalition, Success Adeniken.
What led to the rejection of the resolution?
The coalition maintained that the purported vote of no confidence against Dr Israel was illegitimate and failed to mirror the true aspirations of party youth in Ondo State. According to the statement, "We categorically dissociate the entire APC youth structure in Ondo State from any purported vote of no confidence allegedly passed against Dr Dayo Israel. Such an action neither represents the collective will of APC youths in Ondo State nor enjoys our endorsement or support."
In response to these developments, the youth bloc reaffirmed its absolute support for Dr Israel, noting that the national youth wing has witnessed substantial structural progress, enhanced coordination, and heightened national prominence under his stewardship.
Why did the coalition demand the suspension of the Ondo State Youth Leader?
Conversely, the coalition issued a direct vote of no confidence against the Ondo State APC Youth Leader, Mr Opeyemi Adedeji. The group accused him of operating unilaterally without the approval or consensus of the state's wider youth membership.
Furthermore, the organization alleged that the contentious move against the national leadership was compromised by financial inducements, claiming that foreign currency was exchanged to manufacture internal discord. "These allegations, if true, constitute a grave betrayal of trust and a serious act of indiscipline within the party," the statement emphasized.
Consequently, the coalition pressed for the immediate suspension of Mr Adedeji, the swift designation of an acting state youth leader, and an independent inquiry into the bribery allegations. The group also appealed to party youth formations nationwide to safeguard internal democracy and protect the institution from internal sabotage.