AD crisis deepens - As factions engage in verbal warfare

Idowu Samuel, Abuja - 03.02.2008

THE crisis rocking the Alliance for Democracy (AD) has continued to deepen, following the emergence of three factions within its fold each of which has been laying claim to the soul of the embattled party.

Indications to this effect emerged during the week when a faction led by chief Michael Koleoso declared itself as the authentic AD ,describing the one led by Alhaji Shittabay as illegal.

In the same week, another faction led by Chief Mojisoluwa Akinfenwa in a release signed by Mr. Rafiu Salawu dismissed the claim by the other factions, stressing that Akinfenwa remains the only recognised national chairman of the AD.

Rafiu even went as far as stating that Akinfenwa could not be removed as the chairman of the party arbitrarily as ,according to him, he had been asked to remain the chairman till 2010.

There had been reports that the faction led by Alhaji Sikiru Shittabay had expelled Akinfenwa from AD on alleged financial impropriety during a recent meeting it held in Abuja.

Notwithstanding, the Koleosho led faction on Friday issued its own release to state that neither the other two factions had the right to lay claims to the AD since it was the only formation recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The statement signed by its National Secretary, Alhaji Mohammed Magaji Kwairaga, and issued in Abuja said, “We wish to put the records straight by informing the general public that the Chief Michael Koleoso led AD is the only one dully recognised by INEC.