Politics
APC Convention: Ex-Oyo LG Vice-chairman, ‘Socrates’ joins race for national secretary post
Former vice-chairman of Aare Latoosa Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Oyo state, Monsuru Adeyemo, better known as ‘Socrates’, has joined the race to emerge as the National Secretary of Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress, (APC), at the national convention scheduled for March 26.
The ex- students’ union leader, who made the declaration in a statement on Sunday in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, noted that, as a young politician, his intention was not to incite the sentiment of age discrimination against the ‘older generation’, but to render, as usual, selfless service to the party, by fostering unity among party faithful and contribute his own quota to the progress of the APC, at all strata.
He, however, appealed to the governors elected on the platform of the APC, in the South-West zone and other critical stakeholders to micro zone the position to Oyo-State, stressing that such a key position would bring the pacesetter state back to progressive path, come 2023.
The statement further read, “As we all know, our great party, APC represents the greatest omen for genuine change in this country, and as a true progressive and patriot, who is strongly determined to render selfless service, at any stratum of our great party, APC, I, Monsuru ‘Tunde Adeyemo popularly known as ‘Socrates”, courageously, come forward, today, to make a bold step. I mean, to volunteer myself, to serve, as the National Secretary of our great party, APC. This is in the best interest of our great party, APC, advancement of our zone, Southwest and progress of our state, Oyo.
“As the motto of our great party, APC emphasizes it, if the mandate is given, I will ensure justice, build peace and foster unity among the party faithful, locally, regionally and nationally, even, beyond.
“If the mandate is given, I promise to contribute my own quota. Yes, under the general direction of our National Chairman, to efficiently, build on the numerous achievements that have been recorded by our founding fathers, and current Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee(CECPC).
“Under the general direction of our National Chairman through my watch, if the mandate is given, the secretariat of our great party, APC, will be strengthened, more than ever before, to effectively, collaborate with all Chapters of APC, throughout, the Federal Republic of Nigeria and beyond.
“If the mandate is given, the secretariat under the general direction of our National Chairman through my watch, will not only work assiduously, to retain all the elective offices, in all tiers of government, won by our great party in the last elections but, also, the secretariat will passionately, mobilise enmass and strategically canvass electorates, to win more positions, at all levels and across the country.
“Under the general direction of our National Chairman through my watch, the secretariat will, precisely, prove and reprove it that APC is truly a great party built on the genuine concepts of progressivism- politics in favour of modern method, new idea and positive change.
“As a young politician, I am not in the race to incite the sentiment of age discrimination against the ‘older generation politicians’, but I am, boldly marching forward, to serve in this capacity, because as a foundation member of our great party, APC, I have always been at front line of rendering selfless service to our great party, fostering unity among party faithful and contributing my own quota to the progress of our great party, at all strata.
“As the “National Secretary’ office has been zoned to Southwest, I want to humbly appeal to all our critical stakeholders in Yorubaland to micro zone it to Oyo-State, as we need such a key position to bring the pacesetter state back to progressive path, come 2023.
“And if, peradventure, it is zoned to Oyo State, I want to, also, humbly, appeal to all our leaders and elders in Oyo-State to consider me as their consensus candidate for the office of the ‘National Secretary’ and I promise never to let you down, if the opportunity to serve is given.
“Without trying to sound immodest, as a former gallant student union leader, in the country, eloquent political communicator and active young politician, I am confident to say it categorically that I have all what it takes- ‘Competence, Capacity, Charisma, Doggedness and Valour’ – to productively serve in this capacity and I will definitely make you all proud, by His Grace”, the statement concluded.
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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