The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has issued a directive requiring all party executives holding government appointments to resign from their party positions, citing constitutional provisions that prohibit the combination of both roles.
The directive, issued by the state party leadership, is aimed at ensuring strict compliance with the APC constitution and preventing conflicts of interest that could arise when individuals occupy positions in both the party structure and government simultaneously.
In a statement released by the state party chairman, all affected executives have been given a specified timeline to relinquish either their party positions or their government appointments, making a definitive choice between serving in the party hierarchy or accepting government roles.
“The APC constitution is clear on this matter. Party executives cannot hold government appointments while simultaneously occupying positions in the party structure,” the statement read. “This directive is necessary to maintain the integrity of our party organization and ensure that there are no conflicts of interest in our operations.”
The decision affects executives at various levels of the party structure in Ogun State, including those serving on local government, ward, and state executive committees who have received appointments as special advisers, senior special assistants, board members, or other government positions since the current administration took office.
Party sources indicate that the directive follows growing concerns that some executives have been unable to effectively discharge their party responsibilities due to their government duties, creating gaps in party organization and mobilization efforts. There are also concerns about potential conflicts when party executives in government positions are required to make decisions that might affect party interests.
The Ogun APC leadership emphasized that the directive is not punitive but rather a necessary step to strengthen the party’s organizational structure and ensure clear separation between party administration and government operations. They noted that individuals who resign from party positions to focus on government appointments can still contribute to party development in other capacities.
Some affected party executives have expressed understanding of the directive, acknowledging that the constitutional provisions have been in place but not strictly enforced in the past. However, others have reportedly expressed reluctance to give up their party positions, which they view as important for maintaining political influence and grassroots connections.
Political analysts view the directive as part of efforts to professionalize party operations and create clearer lines of accountability within the APC structure. They note that allowing executives to hold dual roles can create situations where party decisions are unduly influenced by government interests or where government appointees neglect party-building activities.
The enforcement of this constitutional provision in Ogun State could set a precedent for other APC state chapters grappling with similar issues. Party observers will be watching to see how strictly the directive is implemented and whether it leads to significant changes in the state’s party structure.
The state party chairman has assured members that the reorganization will create opportunities for other dedicated party members to assume executive positions and contribute to strengthening the APC ahead of future elections. He urged all affected individuals to comply with the directive in the spirit of party discipline and constitutional adherence.
As the deadline for compliance approaches, attention is focused on which individuals will choose government appointments over party positions and how the resulting changes in party leadership will affect APC operations and cohesion in Ogun State.
The directive underscores ongoing efforts within the APC to institutionalize proper governance structures and ensure that party operations are conducted in accordance with established constitutional frameworks rather than informal arrangements that have characterized Nigerian political parties in the past.