The PBAT Force, a prominent support group within the All Progressives Congress (APC), has strongly disclaimed and distanced itself from a controversial online publication alleging interference in the Lagos State local council appointments process.
In a formal rejoinder issued on Tuesday, the group rejected in totality a report titled “Revealed: How Ojelabi Held Lagos Council Appointments Process to Ransom,” which circulated on Nairaland Online Blog and other platforms. The PBAT Force described the publication as misleading, speculative, and founded on anonymous sources with no connection to the organisation.
According to the statement signed by its Director of Public Relations, Hon. Dr. Tola Adebiyi, the PBAT Force made it clear that it neither authored, sponsored, endorsed, nor briefed any individual or media organisation to publish the said report.
“The PBAT Force categorically states that it is not aware of, not affiliated with, and not connected to the faceless individuals or anonymous sources behind the publication,” the statement read.
Emphasising its organisational values, the group described itself as a structured, disciplined, and responsible support body operating strictly within the constitution and ideals of the APC, and in full alignment with the leadership philosophy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
The organisation further stressed that it does not engage in anonymous publications, blackmail journalism, sensational reporting, or the spread of unverified allegations against party leaders or institutions.
While acknowledging that discussions around the reimbursement of party aspirants have taken place within recognised APC structures, the PBAT Force maintained that it has consistently relied on lawful, consultative, and internal party mechanisms to express its views.
“At no time has the PBAT Force threatened to resist or obstruct the constitution of local council cabinets,” the statement clarified, describing such portrayals as false, mischievous, and deliberately designed to cast the group in a confrontational light.
The group warned that attempts to associate it with destabilisation or internal sabotage could sow unnecessary discord within the party and mislead the public.
In a strong rebuke of the publication, the PBAT Force condemned what it termed the reckless use of anonymous sources by Nairaland Online Blog and urged media platforms to adhere to professional standards of verification, factual accuracy, and responsible editorial judgment.
The organisation also formally called on the blog to refrain from publishing reports capable of damaging the reputation, cohesion, and integrity of the APC without proper confirmation from authorised representatives.
Concluding the statement, the PBAT Force urged party members, the general public, and the media to disregard the publication as it relates to the group and to always seek clarification before attributing actions or statements to any organisation.
The group reaffirmed its loyalty to the APC, its unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and its commitment to constructive engagement aimed at strengthening party unity and Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
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