Politics
2023: Ultimate search for new Oyo APC chairman
Despite various efforts aimed at reconciling aggrieved members and thereafter build a formidable party to reclaim power in 2023, the intrigues surrounding who emerges as the next Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state chapter appear to be deepening.
Interestingly, a powerful Bloc within the party, in conjunction with some members of the Caretaker Committee-led by Chief Akin Oke, are clandestinely appeared ready to determine who succeed the Ogbomoso born politician.
No doubt, there is a big ultimate search for the party’s new chairman to succeed Chief Akin Oke, as major stakeholders appeared desperate.
The APC ward and local government congresses in the state have exposed the desperation of some gladiators as they tried to outsmart and compromised the processes.
Though these gladiators pretended to show concern as an indivisible political family with a common goal to return to the Agodi Government House, but their actions and body languages, as witnessed during the recent concluded ward and local government congresses proved otherwise.
Chief Akin Oke, having been in the saddle for almost 11 years, the party’s stakeholders in the state saw the need for a change of baton, thus making major gladiators to continuously engaging, sensitizing other stakeholders and members of the party in all the geopolitical zones comprising Ibadan, Ibarapa , Oke-Ogun, Oyo among others on how they should vote responsibly in the forthcoming state congress.
Mega Icon Magazine learnt that the gladiators may not agree on consensus arrangement which may further hindered the party to successfully present its State Executives as some are united in the quest to break political barriers.
Speaking incognito, one of the highly revered stakeholders in the Oyo APC told our correspondent that there are growing agitations over zoning within the party, as groups decided to commence the search for a credible replacement for the outgoing chairman, whose tenure broke the second term jinx in the state and produced the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
Meanwhile, some elders of the APC in 10 local government councils in Oke-Ogun area of the state had earlier endorsed an aspirant from the zone as their choice candidate for the governorship ticket in 2023.
They also resolved not to vie for the chairmanship position of the APC in the forthcoming congress of the party.
The stakeholders further argued that Oyo North Senatorial District has produced the Chairman of the party for the past 10 years in the person of Chief Oke, adding that it is the turn of other Senatorial zones to produce the Chairman of the party.
However logical the argument may sound, the APC leader, who confided in Mega Icon Magazine insisted that the old order is likely to persist as the pattern of power scheming in the state may be a replica of what it was historically.
Having sensed the danger ahead of Saturday’s state congress, the APC leaders in Oyo state arrived at a zoning template for the state executive committee – a dramatic turn of events , which has lessened desperation among major governorship contenders.
Although, it was rumoured that some stakeholders in the party have tipped Ibadan candidates for the governorship ticket, just as they are working tirelessly to achieve their political agenda.
However, among others, the leaders, had resolved that all elective positions, especially governor, deputy governor and Senators in 2023 are open to all the 33 local government areas of the state.
Also, at the meeting held at the Ibadan residence of former governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, leaders of the party agreed that Oke-Ogun Zone 1 will produce the next state Chairman.
At the meeting, which had in attendance, Caretaker Chairman of the party, Chief Akin Oke; former deputy governor of Oyo State, Chief Moses Alake; Chief Samuel Adegbiji Adekola, C.A Ajibade, Alhaji Abu Gbadamosi, B.A Ajibade; former speaker and serving minority leader of Oyo State House of Assembly, Honourable Asimiyu Alarape; Chief Kunle Sanda, Chief Timothy Alarape Jolaoso and Mogaji Banji Olorode, resolved that Ibarapa zone is to produce the next state deputy Chairman while the state Secretary is to emerge from the Oyo zone.
Despite assurances given by the leaders, power game is now more obvious in the Oyo APC ahead of tomorrow’s state congress as the gladiators viewed the zoning template as a political strategy to pave way for an Ibadan governorship candidate to emerge.
In the last 48 hours, some Oke-Ogun candidates whose names keep popping up for the Oyo APC chairmanship seat, according to our checks, included the former Chairman of TESCOM, Alhaji Abu Gbadamosi .
Interestingly, a few months ago, the Oke-Ogun APC elders resolved in Ilero, Kajola Local Government, after a stakeholders meeting presided over by Alhaji Abu Gbadamosi at his Ilero residence not to vie for the chairmanship position of the APC in the state among other resolutions.
Also, the stakeholders, at the meeting reportedly endorsed an Oke-Ogun indigene as their preferred governorship candidate.
However, frequent mentioning of former Oyo TESCOM boss, as likely successor to Oke, may be a clog to the decision to zone governorship ticket to Oke-ogun.
Sources further hinted that another name being considered for the post is Chief Goke Oyetunji, a former Senatorial Chairman of the APC in Oyo North; while some stakeholders are scheming for a former scribe of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the state, Hon. Dele Akinleye.
Continuing, Comrade Raheem Oyebisi, former Olorunsogo local government chairman, also have a prospect of succeeding Chief Oke
Interesting times lie ahead as the Oyo state chapter of the APC will tomorrow, Saturday, 16th October, 2021 elect its new state executive officers, a significant political hurdle that will either mar or make the party, especially in its quest to returning to the Agodi Government House in 2023.
A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and close ally of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Farouk Aliyu, has rubbished speculations suggesting that the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc is plotting to exit the ruling party.
Aliyu, a former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and self-identified member of Buhari’s inner political circle clarified on Wednesday during an interview on Politics Today, a flagship programme on Channels Television.
“It’s not true; there is nothing like members of the defunct CPC wanting to move out of APC,” Aliyu asserted firmly. “Our certificate, the certificate of CPC, was part of what formed APC. So how can we leave? To go where? This is our party.”
The CPC was one of the major parties that merged in 2013 to form the APC, alongside the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). The merger paved the way for Buhari’s historic victory over then-President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.
Responding to recent reports surrounding former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s purported defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Aliyu distanced Buhari from any such endorsement. He cautioned El-Rufai against taking a wrecking-ball approach to the APC simply because he was overlooked for a ministerial position.
“If he didn’t get what he wanted, he shouldn’t bring down the roof,” Aliyu stated, adding that El-Rufai’s move does not represent the stance of Buhari or the CPC bloc.
He, however, advised the APC leadership to intensify engagement with all internal factions and legacy groups within the party to reduce political friction ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Politics is about engagement. Politics is about the interests of groups, people, and so on,” he said. “That is what we are saying: engage more—not only with people from the defunct CPC but even from the PDP. So that in 2027, there will be less competition.”
The Jigawa-born political heavyweight also warned against complacency within the APC, particularly as opposition forces coalesce around former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
“We cannot just sit by and allow strange bedfellows to take over the government,” Aliyu cautioned, expressing confidence that the APC would present a unifying presidential candidate capable of fracturing the opposition alliance.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has voiced confidence in his ability to lead Nigeria, stating he possesses the capacity to occupy the nation’s highest political office.
However, the two-term governor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) maintained that his current focus remains on delivering good governance to the people of Oyo State.
Makinde made this assertion during an appearance on Politics Today, a political programme on Channels Television, closely monitored by Mega Icon Magazine.
Reflecting on the 2027 general elections, Governor Makinde predicted a major political showdown, describing it as one between the Nigerian people and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), rather than a straightforward contest between the PDP and the APC.
“I don’t have any doubt that I have the capacity to occupy the highest office in this land and I have what it takes,” Makinde declared. “But what I want to do right now—is it what Nigerians are asking for? Is it what my party will say we should do? We don’t know; we still have a long time to go.”
In a moment of humility that reflected both personal conviction and political maturity, Makinde added, “Let me also say this: if my political journey ends here, I am also happy.”
His comments come amid a flurry of political realignments and coalition talks across opposition lines ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, recently spearheaded a coalition effort with key political figures including former Anambra governor Peter Obi and ex-Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai. The coalition, announced on 20 March 2025, aims to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s APC-led administration, which faces mounting criticism over economic hardship, rising inflation, and soaring cost of living.
However, in a surprising twist, Makinde and fellow PDP governors rejected the Atiku-led coalition during a party meeting held on 14 April 2025. Speaking on the issue, Makinde insisted that while individuals may be free to explore alliances, the party must first set its house in order.
“Your house must be in order before you invite others,” he stressed, distancing the PDP from the idea of hurried mergers or coalitions.
Elder statesman and PDP Board of Trustees member, Chief Bode George, threw his weight behind the governors, arguing for a more strategic approach and advocating a southern presidential candidate to lead the party into the next general elections.
When asked directly whether he would contest the presidency in 2027, Makinde responded with characteristic clarity and resolve.
“Nobody will set an agenda for me. I will set an agenda for myself,” he said.
“People can say whatever they want to say. Right now, I am focusing on what the people of Oyo State have given to me—the task ahead of us. I am not distracted. I will not play stunt politics. I will not do things because it feels right in some people’s ears. No, I will stay focused to ensure we bring the dividends of democracy to our people.”
Makinde emphasised the importance of governance over grandstanding, highlighting ongoing infrastructural projects and policies aimed at securing the future of Oyo State citizens.
“If I want to contest, I will come out at the appropriate time,” he concluded. “One thing you should expect from Seyi Makinde is that he would never come out to say I want to do XYZ without preparations and without being held accountable for whatever he says he wants to do.”
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Tuesday received an enthusiastic reception from supporters and residents of Ihima community in Kogi State, despite a state government ban on rallies and processions.
By 8 am, crowds from the five local government areas of Kogi Central Senatorial District, which Akpoti-Uduaghan represents, had flooded the Ihima community in Okehi Local Government Area (LGA) to welcome the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker.
Several local musicians entertained the gathering as they eagerly awaited the arrival of the senator. Their patience was soon rewarded when Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived in a white helicopter, prompting cheers and jubilant applause from her supporters.
Addressing the crowd, Akpoti-Uduaghan acknowledged the state government’s ban but dismissed concerns that it applied to her visit.
“Yesterday, we heard on the news that rallies and gatherings will not be allowed, that roads will be blocked, and convoys leading into the state will not be permitted. I knew that we were the targets. But then I said, this is not a political season, this is not campaign time,” she said.
“We are not having a rally. This is just me, the Senator representing Kogi Central, coming down to her people to celebrate this festive time – Sallah – with you, and there is nothing wrong with that. I am breaking no law. This is Nigeria. We have the right to be free, to express our choice in gatherings and celebrations.”
Her visit came just hours after the Kogi State Government imposed a ban on public gatherings and processions, citing security concerns. The restrictions were further reinforced by a curfew imposed in the area by Okehi LGA Chairman, Amoka Monday, and a police warning advising her to cancel the event.
Despite these measures, Akpoti-Uduaghan remained defiant, insisting that no authority could prevent her from visiting her home.
“Nobody and nothing can stop me from coming home. I’m an Ebira woman; this is my land. I’m the daughter of the late Jimoh Abdul Akpoti. I know my roots; I’m not a bastard, and I’m not afraid of anybody,” she declared to the cheering crowd.
Ahead of her homecoming, the senator alleged that any security breach during the event should be blamed on Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has been in the headlines in recent months, having been suspended from the Senate for allegedly violating its rules. Her suspension coincided with a sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Akpabio. Additionally, a recall process against her is currently underway. However, she maintains that her political travails are the result of a witch hunt.
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