A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, Dr Olusola Ayandele, has faulted the claim by the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, popularly known as Ijaya, that the Allied Peoples Movement controls the political landscape in Ibarapa.
Ayandele described the commissioner’s position as an illusion, insisting that the political strength of any party would ultimately be determined by votes cast during elections, rather than claims made at political gatherings.
He expressed confidence that the APC would secure massive votes across Ibarapa in the 2027 general elections, saying his recent mobilisation activities and those of other party stakeholders reflected growing support for the opposition party in the area.
Speaking on the political situation in the zone, the APC chieftain said the electorate had become more politically conscious and would assess parties and candidates based on their records, credibility and commitment to the people’s welfare.
“Ojo is simply living in an illusion that he has political strength in Ibarapa which he does not have. The era when politicians could deceive the people with empty propaganda and manufactured political structures is gone,” Ayandele said.
He added that the people would not be swayed by what he described as political grandstanding or claims of popularity that had yet to be demonstrated at the grassroots.
Ayandele maintained that his recent political engagement in Ibadan was not a publicity stunt but part of a broader mobilisation effort aimed at strengthening the APC across Ibarapa.
He said more political stakeholders and supporters were identifying with the party, expressing optimism that the development would translate into votes in the next general elections.
The APC chieftain challenged Ojo and the APM leadership to demonstrate their claimed political influence through electoral performance rather than public declarations.
“Political strength will ultimately be measured by votes cast at polling units and not by claims made at political gatherings,” he said.
Ayandele urged APC members and supporters in the area to intensify grassroots mobilisation and remain committed to the party ahead of the elections.
He said the 2027 polls would provide an opportunity for voters to assess the competing parties and decide which candidates they believed could best address their concerns.
“We welcome Ojo to the political contest. Let him continue to make his claims, but 2027 will be the ultimate test. When the votes are counted, the people of Ibarapa will demonstrate clearly where their confidence lies,” he said.
Ayandele also expressed confidence in the APC’s prospects in the presidential and senatorial contests, saying he expected voters in the zone to support President Bola Tinubu, Senator Sharafadeen Alli and other candidates of the party.
However, his projection of massive APC votes in Ibarapa remains a political claim ahead of the 2027 elections, with the eventual outcome to be determined by voters at the polls.
