Politics
Ajimobi’s LG chairmen never purchase OYSIEC forms’ – Olatunbosun alleges
Oyo state Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun on Saturday alleged that the May 12th 2018 local government election in the state was a nullity from the beginning as all the candidates of All Progressive Congress (APC) never obtained forms to contest.
The Commissioner also alleged that there were no documents in the custody of the State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) containing the fact that any form was purchased by the candidates of the erstwhile ruling party in the State, while the interested candidates from the opposition parties were barred from doing so till the election took place.
“It was clear from the beginning that the exercise was a charade, they just went ahead to waste the State’s resources, none of the APC candidates obtained form while the opposition were not allowed to obtain as well, this is part of why they have no moral and judicial stands to argue their case.
“We were all aware of the outcry from their own party chieftains like the former Minister of Communication, Barrister Bayo Shittu, the Accord Party and Socialist Party of Nigeria among others against the activities that came before the election and the election itself.
“People are not fools, they know what was going on and you know that throughout their illegal stay in office, the people in their different domains never gave them support, that is the sign that they were forced on the system and that would not be for long.”
Olatunbosun, who featured on a private radio station in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital further assured that the present administration has been putting in the right process to conduct the local government election without delaying like the last administration which conducted the election at the twilight of its tenure in office.
The Commissioner hinted that although no date has been set for the election, the institution of members of the OYSIEC board indicated that work was ongoing to present a date and process that would have the input of all stakeholders in the political process in the State, especially the opposition parties.
Olatubosun assured the people of the state of the readiness of the Seyi Makinde-led administration to probe the past administration.
According to him, there were documents in possession of the State which the State anti-graft body would work on to unearth many alleged shoddy deals made by the last administration which had what he called colossal effect on the finances of the State.
“Whenever the anti-graft body commences work and documents that show monumental fraudulent practices by the last administration is presented to them for investigation, the people of this State will be confounded, some people have used the resources that belonged to the vast majority of Oyo State people to promote personal glory and interests”, the Commissioner declared.
Olatunbosun stressed that the State’s free education policy was as a result of the promises made during the campaign period by Governor Makinde and the realization that Oyo State was among the eight States declared by Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) that had the highest number of Out-of-school children in the country, stating that free education and distribution of free textbooks, payment of grants and other inputs have reduced the number of children out of school in the State.
He said the administration would not back out of the programme despite opposition from some quarters calling for reintroduction of the N1000 levy for students in public schools.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to resign immediately, alleging that his recent remarks on state security exposed incompetence and an inability to lead.
Governor Makinde, speaking during his acceptance speech as the Presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Ibadan on Saturday, lamented that he could do little to rescue abducted school children and residents in Oriire Local Government Area due to all security structures being under federal control.
Reacting, APC State Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, described the governor’s comments as “the height of cluelessness, insincerity, and criminal ineptitude,” warning that such disclosures reflect a dangerous trend among parochial leaders.
Sadare said, “Engr. Seyi Makinde could not find any fault in the nation’s Constitution, yet he swore twice to protect lives and properties of Oyo people. He has long enjoyed the powers of his office, controlling resources and people without challenge, but now faces a serious test, exposing incompetence, cluelessness, and ego.”
He added, “Instead of addressing security challenges, Makinde is exploiting the situation to push a mirage he calls a presidential ambition in 2027. His insensitive comments once again reveal hypocrisy. It is time he quit the office of the governor, having admitted he lacks the capacity to secure the state.”
The APC also recalled that previous governors, including Alhaji Lam Adesina, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, and the late Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, operated under the same constitutional provisions without similar security failures. Sadare particularly praised Ajimobi for establishing a Security Trust Fund to ensure funding and stakeholder involvement in security, in contrast to the current administration.
“Makinde’s presidential ambition is dead on arrival. Our concern is the continued loss, deprivation, and mismanagement the people of Oyo may suffer in the remaining year of his tenure. The state deserves a team player, a sincere and humble governor — qualities Makinde has failed to demonstrate in seven years. He should apologise and step down,” Sadare concluded.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday emerged as the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for the 2027 general election following the conclusion of the party’s presidential nomination process.
Makinde emerged through consensus and affirmation by party delegates during the exercise, in what party leaders described as a demonstration of unity and confidence in his leadership ahead of the next general elections.
The governor was presented with his Certificate of Return by the National Chairman of the APM, Alhaji Yusuf Dantali, during a ceremony held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, amid cheers from party faithful, delegates and supporters drawn from different parts of the country.
Speaking during the presentation, Dantali said Makinde possesses the leadership qualities, administrative experience and vision required to steer the country towards sustainable growth and national development.
He urged party members across the federation to close ranks and intensify grassroots mobilisation to ensure victory for the party in the 2027 presidential election.
The APM national chairman maintained that the party remained committed to presenting Nigerians with what he described as a credible alternative capable of addressing the country’s economic, security and governance challenges.
According to him, the emergence of Makinde as the party’s flag bearer marked the beginning of a new political movement aimed at restoring hope and strengthening democratic governance in the country.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Makinde expressed appreciation to the leadership of the party and delegates for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to work with stakeholders across political, ethnic and religious divides to advance the party’s vision for national transformation.
The governor assured party supporters of his commitment to inclusive leadership, promising to prioritise policies that would improve economic prosperity, strengthen institutions and enhance the welfare of Nigerians if elected.
Five key members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have been appointed to the party’s campaign committee for the 2026 governorship re-election of Governor Abiodun Oyebanji in Ekiti State.
The Oyo APC leaders on the list include the party’s governorship candidate, Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, former Senate leader Teslim Folarin, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, Zacch Adedeji, and Remi Oseni.
The list, signed by the party’s National Secretary, Sen. Ajibola Basiru, reflects the APC’s strategy of deploying experienced political figures with strong grassroots networks to ensure a successful re-election campaign in Ekiti.
“These appointments recognise their political experience and commitment to advancing the party’s agenda,” the source within the party said.
The APC committee is expected to coordinate campaign activities, voter engagement, and messaging, positioning the party for a strong showing in the 2026 governorship election.
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