Politics
Ibarapa East Bye Election: Oyo APC, Ajimobi, Others, Rally Support For Late Speaker’s Brother
STATE Assembly ambition of the late speaker’s brother, Mr. Olukunle Adeyemo on Thursday received a boost as Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state led the campaign train of the APC leaders and supporters, including his wife, Chief Florence Ajimobi; State Chairman of the party, Chief Akin Oke; members of the House of Representatives; Assembly members, led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olagunju Ojo; members of the state executive council, Chief Adeniyi Akintola, SAN, among others to support his ambition.
The governor urged the people of Ibarapa land to rally behind the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) candidate for Saturday’s Assembly bye election, whom he described as the best among the candidates.
The seat had become vacant following the sudden death of the former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Michael Adeyemo, who represented the constituency in the Assembly until April 27.
Addressing a mammoth crowd of supporters of the party during a campaign rally at Eruwa, Ajimobi reminded the people to reciprocate the good gesture of his administration as exemplified by the several completed and ongoing projects in the area.
In his words, “Ibarapa people are very close and dear to me. I can unequivocally say that Ibarapa had taken a front burner since I became the governor of this state. The access road to Ibarapa, which had long been abandoned, received the needed attention under my administration.
Ajimobi addressing party faithful, supporters in Eruwa yesterday
“Past administrations had merely patched the road. But, when we came on board, we decided to reconstruct and dualise it. Similarly, Ibarapa Polytechnic used to be a satellite campus of Ibadan Polytechnic, but today, it has become an autonomous polytechnic, courtesy of our administration.
“Apart from these, we are also working on the provision of potable water for Ibarapa, which is located in Ayete. We have nearly completed the project and it will certainly extend here. Ninety per cent of the work had been completed. It will serve several communities around here”.
The governor continued, ” but, I am hearing certain things from the grapevine about Eruwa. Some people are complaining that we created more local council development areas and reviewed the existing border delineation.
(L-R) Oyo APC State Chairman, Chief Oke, Governor Ajimobi and his Wife; Mrs Florence Ajimobi during the rally
“Whatever the case may be these are minor issues that should be resolved through dialogue. Let’s settle them amicably. When our father, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi pointed out some of our oversights during a similar exercise in Oyo we resolved the issues peacefully.
“This won’t be different. I’m a man of peace and I’m appealing to our people in Eruwa to embrace dialogue on the matter.”
The campaign train visit to Eleruwa of Eruwa’s palace, Oba Samuel Adegbola yesterday
The campaign train had earlier visited the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola, to seek royal blessing for the APC candidate.
The monarch used the occasion to commend the Ajimobi’s administration for giving the people of Ibarapa a full-fledged polytechnic, located in Eruwa; a College of Agriculture and Technology at Igbo-Ora, as well as a College of Education of Education, in Lanlate.
He said, “We appreciate the efforts of the present government in Oyo State, led by Governor Abiola Ajimobi in the areas of standard road infrastructure. During this administration, new things that have affected the people positively have happened.
“We know many things are still in the pipeline but we appreciate the ones we are currently enjoying. We have a full-fledged polytechnic; our college of education is there in Lanlate and today, Ibarapa is proud to have the College of Agriculture and Technology at Igbo-Ora.
“The long-abandoned Ibadan-Eruwa road is enjoying reconstruction presently and we expect many more projects. We therefore need to consolidate on these and give further support to the Ajimobi’s administration. I wish the candidate success in the bye election”.
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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