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Oyo APC guber primary : Who wears the crown? || By Akinyode Ishola
BEYOND reasonable doubt, the 2019 general elections is gathering momentum as the gubernatorial hopefuls under the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state are increasing on a daily basis.
Since the country returned to civilian rule in 1999, this is the first time an interesting number of political gladiators, irrespective of political faith are showing their interests to contest for the number one seat in the state.
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For Instance in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), it was reported that at least 14 notable aspirants had earlier declared their intentions officially at its Oke -Ado state party secretariat or local governments and wards respectfully.
While posters, banners and billboards of other aspirants also flood the state revealing an inexhaustible number of governorship aspirants eyeing the Agodi Government House.
With the registration of another 26 more political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), only God knows how political parties will present their Governorship candidates in the 2019 election in the state.
For the purpose of this discussion, it is imperative to critically analyse the chances of some APC aspirants ahead of the party’s guber primary billed for September.
This analysis will also be extended to some major political parties in the state with a view of given our numerous readers critical analysis and possibility of these aspirants to clinch the ticket of their respective political parties.
Without mincing words, the 8-year administration of Governor Abiola Ajimobi has necessitated the passion and interest people have for Governorship seat in the state.
Indeed everybody wants to become ‘Mr Constituted Authority’ (CA).
Unlike 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011 and ,2015 where few aspirants declared their intention. The September Governorship primary election of the APC as predicted will have at least 10 to 15 aspirants except last minute consultation and permutation which is a perpetual act during the primary elections
Method of the primary elections
As at the time of this analysis, how the primary elections will be conducted is not clearly stated, whether it is consensus candidate, Delegates’ or Direct Primary elections as it was the determinant factor in the just concluded Osun state Primary Governorship election in the APC.
No fewer than 6 aspirants were currently serving under Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s administration Including Secretary to the state Government, Alhaji Olalekan Alli, Commissioner for Health, Dr Azeez Adeduntan, his land and Survey counterpart, Mr Ajiboye Omodewu, Immediate past Oyo state Head of Service and Executive Assistant to the Governor, Mr Soji Eniade, former Commissioner for Natural Resources and now Special Adviser on Natural Resources, Chief Olanrewaju Abogun and the Executive Assistant to the Governor on political matters, Barrister Moronkola Thomas are jostling to be occupant of Agodi Government House.
Other aspirants who are not members of Ajimobi’s cabinet include former governor Adebayo Alao Akala, the immediate past Deputy Governor, Operations Central Bank of Nigeria, Chief Bayo Adelabu, Strategies and lead Partner KPMG, Engr Olasunkanmi Tegbe , Former Chief Press Secretary to late Oyo state Governor, Alhaji Lam Adesina, Mr Kehinde Olaosebikan, the Ibarapa born business magnate, Dr. Olusola Ayansola, Former Commissioner for Health, Dr Owolabi Babalola and few other aspirants also intensified efforts through their consultation with the party executives and members to be the next Governor of the pace setter state.
All these aspirants were eminently qualified to succeed Governor Ajimobi based on their academic qualifications and political experience.
Oyo 2019: Akala rejects PDP leadership offer, restates commitment to APC
Although September is around the corner, who will be the next standard bearer of the party is a serious task for the governor and the party executives as aspirants have begun their permutations and political calculations.
With less than few weeks to the APC Governorship Primary election rumour and false information has dominated the social media platforms spreading unconfirmed stories and analysis.
This is not new in politics especially at the twilight of any administration and when political mood seems to have been activated. It is however, important to verify the source of information before diffusing it in order to protect the Nigeria nascent democracy.
To be continued…
By Akinyode Ishola (Mega Icon Magazine, Political Desk)
A former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, has been sworn in as the Chairman of the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), urging members of the party to rally support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Adeyemo formally assumed office on Friday following the inauguration of the newly elected State Executive Committee members who will manage the affairs of the party in the state for the next four years.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the party’s State Secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, marked the climax of the party’s 2026 congresses in the state.
The South-West Zonal Legal Adviser of the APC, Kolawole Majaro, administered the oath of office on Adeyemo and 35 other members of the State Executive Committee.
The executives had emerged through a consensus arrangement during the March 3, 2026 state congress held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, under the supervision of a committee led by Amos Gombi from the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.
In his acceptance speech, Adeyemo described his emergence as a renewed call to service, pledging to strengthen the party and sustain unity among members.
He appreciated party leaders within and outside the state for ensuring a smooth and successful congress process.
Adeyemo also commended members of the Local Organising Committee, particularly Fatai Ibikunle and Afeez Bolaji Repete, for their contributions to the success of the exercise.
He said, “This new State Executive Committee under my leadership is being put in place to add value and strengthen our great party in view of the challenges ahead.
“We have used the opportunity of the congresses to showcase our collective commitment to unity and harmony as progressives and democrats.”
The new chairman expressed optimism that the atmosphere of peace within the party would be sustained ahead of future party primaries and the 2027 elections.
According to him, the party’s target is to secure 90 per cent of the votes in Oyo State for President Tinubu while also reclaiming the state’s Government House in 2027.
Adeyemo praised the President’s leadership, saying the administration was delivering on its promises.
“President Tinubu is, no doubt, performing beyond our expectations and the best way to appreciate his good work is to retain him in Aso Rock until 2031,” he said.
“Against all odds, the President is pursuing his Renewed Hope Agenda with vigour and passion, while the positive results are being felt across sectors of the economy and national life.”
Other members of the newly inaugurated executive include Taofeek Lamidi as Deputy Chairman, Fatai Adesina as State Secretary, Adekemi Opatunde as Woman Leader, Olawale Sadare as Publicity Secretary, Olalekan Oladejo as Youth Leader, and Remi Adepoju as Organising Secretary.
Also inaugurated were Ajiboye Akinsanya as Treasurer, Sunday Aborisade as Legal Adviser, Tinuade Adigun as Auditor, Lukman Owonikoko as Assistant State Secretary, Fatimah Hassan as Deputy Woman Leader, and Jimoh Osundara as the Leader of Persons Living With Disabilities, among others.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, on Thursday announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that he had joined the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State, made the announcement during a media briefing in Abuja, attributing his decision to what he described as irreconcilable differences within the PDP.
The lawmaker said the emergence of the NDC would strengthen Nigeria’s democratic system by providing a credible opposition platform.
According to him, the party recently received its certificate of registration from the Independent National Electoral Commission.
He said, “Last week INEC issued a certificate of registration and we now have the newest party in Nigeria known as the Nigeria Democratic Congress and our symbol is victory, the victory sign.
“So, my dear Nigerians, you now have a credible alternative opposition party known as the Nigeria Democratic Congress.”
Dickson noted that although the party’s registration took longer than expected, its eventual approval was a welcome development for the country’s democratic landscape.
“Yes, it is coming at this time. We would have wished it started some years or months back. We don’t control INEC and their processes; they delayed. We don’t also control the judiciary, but thank God it has finally arrived,” he said.
The senator also stressed that Nigeria’s democracy must not slide into a one-party system, insisting that political diversity remained vital for national stability.
“This nation cannot be a one-party state. Nigeria cannot be a one-party state. Nigeria is not designed to be a one-party state.
“We are a very diverse nation culturally, religiously and politically and that is the beauty of our country.
“So anyone or any party promoting one-party rule in Nigeria is mistaken. We build political parties and get involved in movements to access power for the good of the people, not for our personal benefit,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission recently announced the registration of two new political parties.
The parties are the Democratic Leadership Alliance and the Nigeria Democratic Congress, bringing the total number of registered political parties in Nigeria to 21.
The announcement was made by the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, during the commission’s first quarterly consultative meeting with political party stakeholders for 2026.
According to him, the Democratic Leadership Alliance completed the required verification process, while the Nigeria Democratic Congress was registered in compliance with a Federal High Court order.
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