>
The 2019 elections is more than two years from now but the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State is already warning its leaders at all levels against endorsing aspirants for various positions in the polls.
The party issued the warning on Tuesday through a five-point communique released at the end of an emergency meeting in Ibadan, the state capital.
The party said it was receiving disturbing reports that some executive members of the party were endorsing aspirants ahead of the 2019 elections in the state.
The communique read:”Any member of the party who is currently holding an executive post at any level (National, State, Local Government or Ward) and who is desirous of starting up his or her consultation efforts towards realizing an ambition in 2019 must relinquish his or her current executive position as a matter of urgency and in line with the position of the Constitution of our great Party.
“All holders of executive posts at all levels must be mindful of the fact that party cohesion is paramount and they should not throw their weight behind any intending contestant at any level until the emergence of Candidates in preparation for major elections. Any executive member found wanting in this regard should be prepared to face the consequences of his or her action(s) in line with the provision of the Party Constitution.
“Chieftains of the party, especially State Executive Committee members, are strongly advised to desist from any act capable of causing confusion, disunity and rancour in any form by making sure they do not involve themselves in aspirants’ endorsement, support or sponsorship whether overtly or covertly.
“The Meeting appealed to members of the party to increase their engagement of the public on the need to understand the reasons for the current economic challenges facing the country and as such cooperate with the governments of the APC at all levels in their bid to return the country to the path of prosperity, peace and development.”