The Osun State chapter of the Accord Party has warned its members against engaging in anti-party activities ahead of the forthcoming National and State Assembly elections.
The warning followed a closed-door stakeholders’ meeting presided over by the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Wednesday, where the party leadership resolved that all members must support candidates fielded by the party.
The party said it had received reports of some Accord members allegedly backing candidates of other political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Action Peoples Movement (APM), Allied Peoples Party (APP) and All Progressives Congress (APC).
The stakeholders warned that members or leaders found sponsoring, supporting or working for candidates of other political parties would face severe disciplinary measures.
The meeting also resolved that disagreements arising from the selection of legislative candidates should be resolved internally, urging members to unite behind the candidates already fielded by the party.
A committee was consequently mandated to identify constituencies where cases of alleged anti-party activities were reported and take appropriate measures to address the situation, including recommending sanctions against persistent offenders.
The Accord leadership in the state was also directed to activate monitoring mechanisms to identify members involved in anti-party activities and call them to order.
Addressing the forum, Governor Adeleke expressed appreciation to party members for their loyalty and support during what he described as a turbulent electioneering process.
“I am deeply grateful to our party members for their depth of loyalty and courageous disposition throughout the democratic struggle. Osun people trusted us and they fought for us under the divine direction of God Almighty,” Adeleke said.
The governor also commended the people of Osun State, the electoral commission, party leaders and members for their contributions to the democratic process.
“I will remain steadfast in my commitment to the people, the party and God Almighty,” he added.
Adeleke urged party members to support Accord candidates in the forthcoming legislative elections, warning that those who work against the party’s candidates would be sanctioned.
“I task us to support our party candidates in the forthcoming legislative elections. We must avoid anti-party activities. Severe sanction awaits any party member who works against the candidates of the party,” the governor said.
He, however, directed the party’s legislative candidates to adopt an inclusive campaign strategy by reaching out to all sections of the party and mobilising members across different shades of opinion for future electoral success.
“I have also tasked our candidates to reach out to all segments of the party. We must run an inclusive campaign. All shades of opinion must be mobilised for resounding success in future elections,” Adeleke said.