The Ondo State chapter of the APC Youth Coalition has thrown its weight behind the party’s National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, rejecting calls for his removal and questioning the authority of those behind the move.
In a separate development, the coalition has called for disciplinary action against the state’s youth leader, Opeyemi Adedeji, whom it accused of taking a position against Israel without securing the backing of other youth groups.
The coalition’s stance followed a meeting of party youths held on Tuesday. Its National Coordinator, Success Adeniken, communicated the decision in a statement released in Akure on Wednesday.
The alliance brings together four groups: APC Mandate Group, APC Youth Vanguard, APC Youth Volunteers and APC Youths Advocates.
According to the coalition, the attempt to discredit Israel does not reflect the views of the wider APC youth membership in Ondo State.
It argued that his time in office had helped strengthen the party’s youth network, improve coordination among members and expand its presence at the national level.
The coalition further maintained that Israel remained an important figure for young APC members, pledging to stand by him as he continues in office.
Turning its attention to the state chapter, the group announced that it no longer had confidence in Adedeji and asked the party leadership to suspend him.
It alleged that the state youth leader acted unilaterally in endorsing or facilitating the move against Israel, without consulting the majority of youth stakeholders.
The coalition also asked the APC to name an interim youth leader to manage the state structure.
Beyond Ondo, the group urged youth organisations within the party to resist decisions that undermine internal democratic processes. It called for sanctions against members found to be using party structures to pursue personal or financial interests.
The coalition said it remained committed to the APC’s cohesion and success at the polls, adding that it would challenge conduct capable of creating divisions within the party.
