— Says disregard for merit, loyalty,  grassroots endorsement weaken internal cohesion

By Dayo Johnson Akure

A Chieftain of the All Progressive Congress in Ifedore council area of Ondo State, Mr Olatunbosun Alade, has raised alarm over his alleged marginalization in appointment in his ward.

Alade, in a petitioned to the National Chairman of the party, Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda described the appointment process in his ward as unfair and unjust.

The party’s Chieftain who has been actively involved in party activities for many years, claimed that the decision overlooked his long-standing contributions and commitment to the party at the grassroots level.

In the letter to the National Chairman, he noted that the development raises serious concerns about internal democracy, fairness, and the reward system for loyal party members, warning that ignoring merit and loyalty could discourage active participation and weaken cohesion within the APC.

Alade explained that as part of his years of dedicated service and contributions to the growth of the party in the local government, all APC unit heads and the majority of ward executives to formally endorse him for appointment as supervisory councillor.

He said the endorsement was contained in a letter jointly signed by all the unit heads and the majority of Ward 4 executives and addressed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami, the Secretary to the State Government, and other key leaders of the APC in Ondo State.

The letter, he explained, highlighted his active involvement in party organisation and his financial support for party activities since the inception of the APC.

It was learnt that the ward executives also reportedly affirmed that Alade had never dissociated himself from the party at any point, describing his loyalty, commitment, and service as consistent and verifiable within Ifedore Local Government.

He noted that despite what he described as overwhelming support and endorsement at the ward level, Alade alleged that the recommendation was ignored during the final selection process, saying the appointment was eventually given to another individual whom he claimed did not merit the position in the ward.

Alade said he felt short changed after years of dedication and personal sacrifice for the growth of the party.

He added that the outcome sent a discouraging message to loyal party members who have remained steadfast over the years, noting that the development has generated dissatisfaction among party faithful and loyalists in the ward.

The party’s Chieftain said most of the aggrieved loyalists felt marginalised despite their sacrifices, loyalty, and contributions to the success of the APC at both the ward and local government levels.

He therefore warned that the continued disregard for merit, loyalty, and grassroots endorsement in the distribution of appointments could weaken internal cohesion, erode trust in party leadership, and discourage committed members from active participation in party affairs.

Alade appealed to the national leadership of the APC to intervene in the matter and ensure that future appointments are guided by fairness, inclusiveness, transparency, and proven service to the party, in order to preserve unity and strengthen the party’s grassroots base in Ondo State.