Politics
COVID-19: Oyo APC Chair, Oke Scores Members High On Emergency Response
Chief Akin Oke, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, has rated high some privileged members of the party on their positive response to the need of many residents of the state in view of the socioeconomic hardship introduced by the spread of Coronavirus across the world.
It is recalled that Chief Oke, on March 27, 2020, ordered the shut down of the party’s state Secretariat in Ibadan and other APC offices in all the local government councils and Wards in addition to cancellation of all political activities, including meetings and consultation, involving members of Oyo APC in any part of the state in a bid to encourage the social distancing measure of combating COVID-19.
Oke, in a statement he personally issued on Friday and made available to journalists in Ibadan, regretted the enormity of anxiety and sorrow inflicted on the global community by the pandemic but expressed optimism that COVID-19 would soon be curtailed in view of concerned being shown by people, organizations and governments in most part of the world.
“Back at home, we are satisfied by the high level of empathy, concern and responsiveness demonstrated so far by privileged members of our great party (APC) particularly in the areas of enlightenment of the general public, promotion of laudable intervention programmes of the federal government and personal donations of relief materials and handouts to members of the public without discrimination.
“It is on record that out of every five privileged individuals working passionately and genuinely to mitigate the effect of COVID-19 on the society, one is an Oyo APC member. Examples are abound as former and serving political office holders as well as appointees, who are members of our party, work round the clock to create relevant awareness on the epidemic and also provide relief materials for the masses.
“Apart from the globally acknowledged and efficacious efforts of the Buhari-led administration, we are also proud of the fact that most structures put in place by the immediate former administration of Gov. Abiola Ajimobi are being used by the current PDP government of Engr. Seyi Makinde as it struggles to respond to the challenges of COVID-19 in the state.
“However, as the global community still battles to survive the Coronavirus pandemic, it is imperative for all privileged individuals and groups to rise up to the challenges of rescuing the poor in the society from the pang of hunger and hopelessness. It is on this note that we are appealing to our members, who have been doing wonders in the face of current situation, not to rest on their oars by ensuring that no stone is left unturned to reach more people at the grassroots.” Oke stated.
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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