The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said it was not informed ahead of Thursday’s inauguration of the state Presidential Campaign Committee for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid, which is being coordinated by Governor Ademola Adeleke.
In a statement signed by the state APC Chairman, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, the party described Tinubu’s re-election as a collective responsibility it had been working hard to achieve but insisted that an exercise of such national significance should be properly scheduled and conducted in line with official protocol.
The party said it learnt of the inauguration through a list of committee members posted on social media on Wednesday afternoon by Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.
It described the development as a surprise to the party’s leaders, members and supporters, adding that social media announcements should not automatically be regarded as authentic.
According to the APC, less than 12 hours’ notice was insufficient and prevented many people who would otherwise have attended the event from participating.
The party also questioned the decision to announce the committee members less than 24 hours before the inauguration without prior consultation with the state party leadership.
It said the approach appeared likely to create an avoidable misunderstanding between the party and Adeleke, who was appointed the state coordinator of the campaign committee.
However, the APC said it was determined to avoid such a disagreement, stressing that its concerns centred on the process rather than opposition to the campaign itself.
The party maintained that it was willing to accommodate different roles and arrangements in support of Tinubu’s re-election but insisted that proper procedures must be followed to achieve the desired outcome.
It also acknowledged that Adeleke’s appointment as state coordinator could strengthen the presidential campaign through the joint efforts of the political parties involved.
The Osun APC reiterated its commitment to Tinubu’s re-election while calling for better communication, consultation and adherence to established protocol in subsequent campaign activities.
