There are cracks in Oyo State Accord party, as parallel ward congresses held across the state at the weekend.
The party is the major opposition against the administration of Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
Many aspirants had left the party before the general election, accusing its leader, ex-Governor Rashidi Ladoja, of singlehandedly picking candidates.
Two parallel congresses were held across most of the 33 local governments on Saturday, it was leant.
A faction is controlled by a group, which has Bukola Ajaja, and another loyal to the party leadership, represented by its Chairman, Alhaji Bashiru Lawal.
It was learnt both factions held parallel congresses in Oke-Ogun, Ogbomoso, Oyo and Ibarapa zones as well as in some councils in Ibadan.
But Lawal denied that parallel congresses were held. He said some people were being used to destroy the party.
According to him, the group wrote to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of its intention to hold a congress.
“They wanted to factionalise the party. But we insisted that only party members, who attend ward meetings, would participate in the election.
“In Saki West, for example, the dissidents gathered from at a place but did not hold any congress. In Atisbo, there was no gathering. They are insignificant,” he said.
It was learnt the factionalisation was triggered by zoning of positions ahead of the 2019 elections.
Four party members were said to have been arrested by police in Egbeda Local Government for electoral fraud yesterday.
When contacted, Ajaja confirmed parallel congresses in Ibadan North East and other councils but declined further comments.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Mr Adekunle Ajisebutu, was not available for comments.