The G50, a grassroots political stakeholders’ group with a presence across Oyo State, has expressed concern over the ongoing controversy surrounding the leadership, candidates and political direction of the ACCORD Party in the state.
In a statement signed by the group, G50 said it was compelled to clarify its position amid what it described as conflicting narratives, particularly those circulating on social media.
The group said it recognised the ACCORD structure led by Hon. Adebukola Ajaja, popularly known as Iya Ajaja, Mogaji Igbinsola, Prince Kolade Ojo as State Chairman, Hon. Dairo Olayinka as State Secretary and Hon. Nurudeen Okanlawon as State Treasurer.
According to G50, its position is based on party processes and records available to the group.
It urged members of the public to distinguish between what it described as the recognised party structure and a separate political movement it associated with the Oriyomi/Maxwell camp.
The group maintained that social media visibility should not be mistaken for political legitimacy, arguing that political authority must be established through recognised party structures, due process, authentic documentation and democratic procedures.
On the disputed primary and consensus processes, G50 said a primary/consensus exercise was conducted in the presence of the National Party Chairman, members of the duly elected Oyo State Executive Committee, including the State Chairman and State Secretary, as well as officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The group said the presence of party officials and INEC representatives provided an important basis for determining what transpired during the exercise.
It therefore challenged anyone disputing the outcome or legitimacy of the process to present verifiable evidence and pursue appropriate legal and party channels rather than relying on social media narratives.
G50 also raised questions over allegations concerning an earlier or alternative consensus arrangement and the treatment of aspirants who, according to the group, had invested significant resources, time and energy in their political ambitions.
The group alleged that a meeting was held on a Sunday night during which certain candidates were allegedly selected ahead of a broader consensus process. It further alleged that some of the selected candidates were instructed to pay N500,000 to their respective Local Government Chairmen.
G50 stressed that the allegations were serious and should be addressed with facts and verifiable evidence.
The group further alleged that Ajaja was not aware of some of the discussions said to have taken place before the wider consensus process.
According to G50, Ajaja subsequently accompanied Oriyomi to the party secretariat in Abuja, believing she was supporting a legitimate political process, before stakeholders were allegedly confronted with another consensus arrangement upon their return to Ibadan.
The group consequently questioned whether the process could be considered open and inclusive if some candidates had allegedly been predetermined before the wider consensus exercise.
G50 said stakeholders and the people of Oyo State deserved transparency on the matter.
The group also expressed concern over what it described as the alleged sidelining of loyal stakeholders who contributed to the development of the political structure.
It specifically acknowledged the contributions of Ajaja, Mogaji Igbinsola and other stakeholders, saying those who made sacrifices during the difficult stages of the political journey deserved to be respected when major political decisions were being taken.
G50 also raised concerns over allegations that some long-standing aspirants were overlooked in favour of candidates who allegedly joined the process later, including individuals described by some stakeholders as “Abroad candidates.”
On the controversy involving the Oriyomi/Maxwell camp, G50 called for independent verification of documents being circulated online.
The group also referred to allegations concerning Maxwell and a reported forgery case in Abuja involving disputed documents, stressing that any such matter should be determined by the appropriate judicial authorities.
It urged stakeholders not to accept documents merely because they had gained wide circulation online, insisting that authenticity should be independently established.
G50 further cautioned against using social media presence as the sole measure of political strength.
According to the group, genuine political strength is reflected in ward structures, polling-unit organisation, community mobilisation, grassroots relationships and ultimately electoral support.
It said political contests could not be won solely through activities on Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok or X, stressing that elections were ultimately determined by voters at the grassroots.
The group called on members and stakeholders of ACCORD to reject politics driven by personal ambition, division and the marginalisation of loyal members.
“No individual is bigger than ACCORD, and no social-media personality is bigger than the grassroots,” the group stated.
G50 urged the party and its stakeholders to prioritise transparency, genuine consultation, internal democracy, fairness and respect for legitimate stakeholders.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to grassroots engagement, saying it would continue to speak against actions it believed could undermine internal democracy or mislead the people of Oyo State.
It concluded by declaring: “The people are watching. The grassroots are organised. The facts will speak for themselves. And ultimately, the truth will prevail.”
The statement was signed by G50, Grassroots Political Stakeholders, Oyo State.
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