NRM warns against impersonation, declares Fayoyin auhentic Ogun chair

The Ogun State chapter of the National Rescue Movement has raised the alarm over what it described as an act of impersonation by one Yemi Ali, who is allegedly parading himself as the chairman of the party in the state.

In a statement issued by the party's spokesperson, Akeem Sadiku on Saturday, NRM said Yemi Ali has no legitimate ties to the party’s leadership structure in Ogun. 

The party dismissed his claims to the chairmanship as spurious, unfounded, and aimed at misleading the public. 

The party stressed that Olujobi Fayoyin remains the only duly recognised chairman of the party in the state, insisting that his leadership is backed by official recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The party warned the public against engaging with or recognising any activities or communications attributed to Yemi Ali, whom it accused of attempting to sow confusion within its ranks and distract it from its goal of delivering credible governance to the people of Ogun State.

According to the party, the NRM in Ogun State remains unified under one leadership and has no factions or internal divisions, contrary to the impression allegedly being created by Ali’s actions. 

It added that any suggestion of a parallel structure within the NRM in Ogun was a deliberate falsehood meant to weaken the party’s growing popularity among residents of the state.

Describing the development as a desperate and calculated attempt to sabotage its mission, NRM reiterated its commitment to challenging the status quo and offering an alternative political platform rooted in transparency, accountability, and the welfare of the masses.

“We wish to categorically state that the claim by Yemi Ali is entirely baseless and an act of impersonation. The NRM in Ogun State has one recognized leader, and that is Comrade Olujobi Fayoyin. He was duly certified by INEC and has been at the forefront of our political mobilization across the state,” the statement read.

The party described Fayoyin as a leader who has been instrumental in building the party’s grassroots support and reawakening hope among Ogun residents seeking genuine change. 

The party said its structures across all 20 local government areas of the state remain loyal to Fayoyin’s leadership and are committed to the collective mission of rescuing the state from what it termed “decades of misrule and failed leadership.”

It called on security agencies and relevant stakeholders to investigate the impersonation and take appropriate steps to forestall any further attempts to tarnish the image of the party through what it termed “deceitful antics.”

The statement further advised media houses, political stakeholders, and the general public to disregard any correspondence or public communication issued by Ali in the name of the NRM, warning that any association with him could be tantamount to aiding illegality.

“Let it be known that any meetings, press briefings, or declarations purportedly made by Yemi Ali are not sanctioned by the National Rescue Movement. These are unauthorized activities being carried out by someone with no standing in our party,” the statement warned.

The NRM stated that it would not be distracted by the ongoing impersonation saga and pledged to remain focused on its goals of entrenching good governance and repositioning Ogun State for development.

It said the current challenges would not deter it from its pursuit of a progressive agenda for the people, which it said includes creating inclusive policies, ensuring social justice, and building a state where opportunity and prosperity are accessible to all.

Speaking on behalf of the party, Fayoyin reiterated that the NRM stands as a viable political force determined to break the cycle of poor leadership that has allegedly stunted Ogun State’s development.

He appealed to residents of the state to remain vigilant and to continue supporting the party in its drive to offer a credible alternative ahead of future elections.

Fayoyin also thanked party loyalists who have remained steadfast in their support, promising that the NRM would continue to uphold internal discipline and resist any efforts to destabilise it from within or outside.

“The National Rescue Movement is not a party of confusion. We are focused and determined. These antics of impersonation will not derail our mission. We are here to rescue Ogun State from the grip of incompetence and misgovernance,” he said.

He described the incident as one of the many challenges that confront opposition parties committed to reform. 

He, however, assured that the NRM in Ogun was prepared to weather all storms in the interest of the people.