Prominent leaders of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun West have urged the party to sustain internal democracy.
They said an open senatorial primary is welcome, but warned against the imposition of any contender in the district.
According to them, any indigene is at liberty to vie for the senatorial ticket in an atmosphere of equity, fairness and justice.
Senator Olamilekan Adeola has intensified consultation and mobilisation in Yewa on his next political move.
A popular progressive politician, he is a crowd puller. However, a section of the district is mounting resistance on his bid to return home.
Some Ogun West APC leaders said it is unthinkable that Adeola, who started his political career in 2003 as a member of Lag State House of Assembly, and became a member of House of Representatives and two-term senator, is planning to represent old Egbado Division in the Senate.
They also alleged that the ‘West-to-West’ campaign is designed to instal Adeola as senator as baseline for becoming governor of Ogun in 2027.
But supporters of Adeola said he is qualified to run for any position, based on the Electoral Act, 1999 Constitution and the wish of the district. According to them, Adeola has become a brand and a household name in Nigeria.
The anti-Adeola chieftains, under the aegis of Ogun West Stakeholders Forum, after their weekend meeting at Ilaro, said alleged plans by Adeola to move to Ogun State will lead to crisis in the party because there is no evidence Adeola hails from Yewa.
But Adeola’s associates disputed the assertion, saying he is a beloved indigene in who the people are well pleased
A leader of the forum, Chief Sikiru Adegbite, said: “Why will anyone ask Adeola to come from Lagos West now to cause crisis in Ogun West? He started his West to West campaign and empowerment programme in Yewa; we thought he was gambling.
“It is true that we have not produced governor since 1976 when the state was created, and we are determined to succeed Governor Abiodun, but not with a stranger, whose genealogy cannot be genuinely traced to anywhere in Yewaland. It is a gamble that is immoral and illegal.”