In a statement released by Ajadi Isaac, the former Coordinator of the APC Youth League in Oyo State, he announced his resignation, citing issues of “political aggrandizement” and personal principles as the basis for his decision. Isaac accused Soliu Lawal, the immediate past Coordinator of the league, of misrepresentation and self-serving motives.
Ajadi Isaac, who also serves as the State Coordinator of the Progressive Students Vanguard and played a pivotal role in mobilizing students for APC candidates during the 2023 general elections, detailed the events leading to his decision.
The Genesis of the Offer.
According to Isaac, five months ago, the immediate past coordinator contacted him to commend his efforts in student and youth mobilization during the elections. Lawal reportedly praised Isaac for mobilizing students, particularly at the Oyo State College of Agriculture, Igboora, and for his media contributions to APC campaigns.
“Immediate past coordinator acknowledged my vibrancy and media strength,” Isaac said, attributing his influence to his tenure as the National Senate President of the Federation of Oyo State Students’ Union (FOSSU), SUG Treasurer, and his leadership roles in other progressive movements.
He proposed handing over the leadership of the APC Youth League to Isaac, citing frustrations during his tenure and a preference for a non-Ibadan candidate. Despite his insistence that Isaac’s network and experience made him the ideal candidate, Isaac initially rejected the offer.
“I vehemently rejected the offer due to my experience with support groups often being used for self-enrichment. I explained that my focus was on my education, financial stability, and non-political activities such as my United Nations’ Social Impact initiatives,” he stated.
Isaac eventually accepted the position after much persuasion, with Lawal promising necessary support from stakeholders, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). However, Isaac’s perception of the league began to shift during the National Inauguration in Abuja.
“It was then I realized the league was not what had been narrated to me. Arguments over mobilization funds and promises not fulfilled revealed the league’s underlying motives,” he said.
Isaac emphasized his efforts to improve the league’s image by organizing a laudable inauguration and paying courtesy visits to key stakeholders, starting with the State Youth Leader. He described these efforts as being misconstrued by Lawal as opportunities for personal financial gain.
Isaac further revealed allegations of past financial misconduct within the league, recounting how a pioneer leader reportedly exploited the platform for personal enrichment without carrying the state executive along during Governor Ajimobi’s administration.
During my consultation to the past leaders of the league, a particular leader narrated what the league stands for and reasons I shouldn’t take it so seriously, then, I started to be skeptical.
“My aim is different from theirs. Their focus on political aggrandizement and poverty alleviation contradicts my definition of politics as a service to the people,” Isaac said.
After consulting with past leaders of the league, Isaac decided to sever ties with the APC Youth League entirely.
“This is to set the record straight to my political supporters, well-wishers, and friends: I am no longer in the APC Youth League, and I dissociate myself from them totally,” he concluded.
Ajadi Isaac’s resignation reflects a broader critique of political platforms that prioritize self-interest over genuine service, signaling his intention to uphold integrity in his political pursuits.
