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APC CHIEFTAIN CAUTIONS GOV OYEBANJI AGAINST ANTI-PARTY ACTIVITIES
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State and former Special Assistant on Political Affairs to ex-Governor Kayode Fayemi, Hon. Prince Kayode Akinlade Olowookere, has warned Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji against taking actions or making statements that contradict the constitution of the party.
Olowookere, speaking with journalists in Ado-Ekiti at the weekend, described as unconstitutional the governor’s alleged threat that local government and ward executives who welcome APC governorship aspirant, Engr. Kayode Olubunmi Ojo or his representatives would face suspension.
He stressed that the APC constitution clearly defines the organs empowered to discipline members, adding that the governor has no such authority.
“Only the executive committee of the party, at the level where an offence is alleged, has the constitutional power to discipline members. The governor cannot arrogate such powers to himself except he has added the functions of the state executive committee to his office,” Olowookere said.
Citing Article 21 of the APC Constitution (Discipline of Party Members), Olowookere noted that disciplinary action must follow due process: issuance of a query, fair hearing, decision, and the right of appeal.
He added that any suspension directive issued by political appointees or individuals outside the constitutional process would be “null and void,” stressing that such actions violate the party’s rules.
“The affected executives can petition the State Working Committee, the National Working Committee (NWC), or even the National Executive Committee (NEC) to nullify such suspension,” he explained.
Olowookere also warned that political appointees or individuals who overstep their boundaries may themselves face disciplinary measures for abuse of office or conduct likely to bring the party into disrepute.
He therefore cautioned that only elected party executives, acting through the proper committees and procedures, can discipline or suspend members in line with the party’s constitution.
“The APC must remain a party governed by the rule of law and due process, not arbitrary decisions. Anything less will undermine internal democracy and the credibility of the party,” Olowookere concluded.
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