THREE regions of the ANC Youth League in Free State have thrown their weight behind regional ANC chairman and the province's premier, Ace Magashule, calling for his re-election at June's elective conference.

Fezile Dabi, Thabo Mofutsanyane and Motheo came out in support of Magashule's re-election in their special regional general council meeting at the weekend.

Their stance is in stark contrast to that of the provincial ANCYL leaders, who have aligned themselves with the group that has constantly called for Magashule's ousting.

Even on Sunday in Brandfort, the executive council of the league made a plea to Magashule to vacate his position, accusing him of clinging to power. Members of the league held placards that read "Magashule is not a true leader and should quit now".

The expelled president of the youth league, Julius Malema, said he was told that Magashule had ordered some members of the league not to attend the mini-rally.