Rival APC groups protest in Abeokuta against choice of standard-bearer

•Prepare for a shock in 2019, Dimeji Bankole warns ruling party
Two rival groups yesterday held protests in Abeokuta over who should be the standard-bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

A faction of the party protested at the main entrance of the Governor’s office in Oke-Mosan, accusing the National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole of collecting bribe to impose Prince Dapo Abiodun as the party’s candidate.

The other group, which carried various placards stormed the Press Centre at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oke-lewo, to demand that Governor Ibikunle Amosun accepts Dapo Abiodun as the party’s standard-bearer.

The protesters included Ogun Progressive Students, Ogun Youth Assembly, Coalition of Ogun Traders and some civil society bodies.

A panel set up by the APC National Working Committee (NWC) had declared Abiodun the party’s governorship candidate. But Amosun accused the panel of bias, insisting that his preferred candidate, Kunle Akinlade won the primaries.

Protesters at the governor’s office were made up of elected councilors, who claimed to be speaking for the grassroots in the 349 wards and other interest groups.

They appealed to the party leadership to uphold justice, or risk loosing the state in 2019.

Meanwhile, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Dimeji Bankole, yesterday declared to contest the 2019 governorship election on the platform of Action Democratic Party (ADP).

He warned the APC to be prepared for a shock in the election, while promising the people that he would perform beyond their expectation, if given the mandate.