Remo North APC Welcomes JOBAF’s Resignation, Says Party Is Ready for ‘New Beginning’

By Ayomide Obafemi

The All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership in Remo North Local Government Area of Ogun State has welcomed the resignation of former Local Government Executive Chairman and former member of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. John Obafemi, popularly known as JOBAF, describing it as an opportunity for the party to move forward. In a strongly worded reaction to Obafemi’s resignation, the Remo North APC leadership said his decision would allow the party to put behind it what it described as years of political ambiguity and disagreements over loyalty and party structures.

Obafemi had reportedly cited inadequate recognition at the state and local government levels among the reasons for his decision to leave the APC. However, the Remo North APC leadership dismissed the claim, describing it as an attempt to portray political disagreements as persecution. In a statement signed by the party’s Secretary in Remo North, Omo’ba Yinka Soyemi, the APC maintained that Obafemi was not forced out of the party, arguing that his political activities over the years had, in the party’s assessment, raised questions about his commitment to its structures and leadership.

“Recognition in a political party is earned through loyalty, commitment, participation and respect for legitimate party structures. It cannot be demanded by someone whose political activities have repeatedly raised questions about his commitment to the organisation,” the party said. The APC leadership further alleged that Obafemi and members of his political circle had maintained relationships with opposition interests while remaining members of the ruling party. “You cannot fraternise with the opposition and demand APC recognition,” the statement added.

The Remo North APC leadership said Obafemi’s resignation presented an opportunity to resolve what it characterised as longstanding political ambiguity. According to the party, members who choose to maintain political relationships outside the APC should not expect the organisation to treat such conduct as unquestionable loyalty. “The APC cannot be expected to treat political double-dealing as loyalty. If an individual chooses to operate with one foot in the APC and another in the opposition camp, he should not be surprised when the party questions his commitment,” it said.

The party also rejected the notion that Obafemi’s resignation would weaken its political structure in Remo North, insisting that the APC’s strength lies in its grassroots organisation, membership and established structures rather than any individual politician. The statement also revisited issues surrounding Obafemi’s tenure as Executive Chairman of Remo North Local Government and his subsequent role as Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Ogun State.

The APC leadership alleged that concerns had been raised during that period over the mobilisation and deployment of youths within the local political environment. It specifically referred to allegations that some youths were encouraged or used as political thugs and touts for political purposes.

The party stressed that such allegations required scrutiny, arguing that the politicisation and manipulation of young people could have serious consequences for the future of the community. “We believe the people of Remo North deserve politics that empowers young people through education, employment, skills acquisition and legitimate opportunities—not politics that allegedly turns youths into instruments for settling political scores,” the statement said.

The APC leadership also claimed that the administration that succeeded Obafemi had to address what it described as administrative and political challenges inherited from his tenure. Also referenced was Obafemi’s reported opposition to the administration of Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun. According to the party, one of the issues that contributed to disagreements involved the distribution of monetary assistance intended for grassroots supporters.

The APC said Governor Abiodun’s position was that funds meant for individual beneficiaries should be paid directly into their personal bank accounts rather than passed through political leaders for distribution. The party described the approach as one that promotes transparency and accountability. “Why should anyone object to beneficiaries receiving what is meant for them directly? Political leaders should not !be custodians of resources intended for individual supporters,” the statement said.

Still reacting to the resignation, the APC leadership said Obafemi was free to choose his preferred political platform but should accept responsibility for the political consequences of his decision. “JOBAF has made his choice. He is entitled to it. We only ask that he make that choice openly and without attempting to blame the APC for consequences arising from his own political decisions,” the party said.

The leadership added that Obafemi was now free to associate with whichever political organisation he preferred, making a reference to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). “If the PDP is where his political soul has been all these years, then he should feel free to return home,” the party stated.

Despite the resignation, the APC leadership said it would remain focused on strengthening its grassroots structures, reconciling genuine members and preparing for future political engagements. It also urged party members to avoid unnecessary public exchanges and remain committed to the APC and the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun. “Political parties are built on loyalty and sacrifice. We will continue to work with people who believe in the APC and are prepared to defend its interests in good times and bad,” the party said.

Concluding its statement, the Remo North APC leadership described Obafemi’s departure as an opportunity for what it called a “new beginning.” “JOBAF has chosen to leave. We wish him well. But his departure is not the end of the APC in Remo North; rather, it is an opportunity for a new beginning. At best, it is good riddance to bad rubbish. The APC will move forward.”

The statement was signed by Omo’ba Yinka Soyemi, Secretary, All Progressives Congress (APC), Remo North Local Government Area, Ogun State.