Politics in Nigeria is an all-comers’ affair. The rumour and political assumption is that the post of All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretary has been micro zoned to Oyo State. No doubt, such strategic position would further strengthen the opposition progressive party in Oyo state.
Despite the huge and credible human resources available in the state chapter of the party, one wonders why they refused to embrace such a strategic position, except a few players, mostly youths who have thrown themselves into the competition.
It is, however, necessary to attempt an honest assessment of some aspirants to the high office of APC National Secretary from Oyo State APC.
Barrister Adebayo Shittu from Oke-Ogun political zone has signified his interest in the media. He’s a former Minister of Communications in President Muhammadu Buhari’s first tenure, former State Commissioner, former State House of Assembly member. So, he has much experience in political jobbings, more than his professional career as a lawyer.
But, Shittu’s opponents are quick to point to his serial legal battles against the Oyo APC, the party he wants to serve and court cases against party members topped up by his alleged minimal performance as Minister which they claimed made President Buhari drop him. Being a National Secretary, the former Minister’s critics argued that it would only boost his continuation of political battles against members of the party in Oyo state.
Chief Sunday Dare, the current Minister of Youths & Sports is articulate, agile and a sure fit; having worked closely with one of the foremost political idols in Nigeria – Bola Ahmed Tinubu. However, he may not want to leave a ministerial job now for a National Secretary job. Chief Dare is a core Bola Ahmed Tinubu man, he may not work assiduously for any other person chosen as APC Presidential candidate apart from his boss and benefactor – Tinubu.
Olamijulo Alao-Akala, a young man,son of former Governor Adebayo Alao Akala, the late political icon from Oyo State.
Olamiju, was a former Council Chairman, and under his father’s tutelage performed well. Ogbomoso zone will be in the kitty of Oyo APC with the combination of Olamiju, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, Hon. Segun Dokun Odebunmi (Bunvic), Chief Sunday Dare, and other members of Alao Akala’s political dynasty.
However, Olamiju may be gunning for the party’s ticket to contest the 2023 elections.
Alhaji Mojeed Olaoya, a former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, was for 12 years Secretary of Oyo State APC.
Combines the dynamism of the youth with maturity, he has imbibed while working with party leaders and elders of APC.
Under former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Mojeed Olaoya, with the support of other members of the Exco, successfully coordinated the party’s engine room and delivered the ‘Koseleri’ second term for the late Ajimobi and many elected party candidates.
Comrade, former Students Union President, a graduate of both Ibadan Polytechnic and Master’s degree holder from the prestigious University of Ibadan. From his political working experience, Olaoya has a good understanding of party administration, processes and will sure be a dutiful, loyal and submissive National Secretary to a National Chairman.
For all that, still, his critics say Olaoya would always toe and defend his party preferences.
Chief Moses Adeyemo: a two-term Deputy Governor under Governor Abiola Ajimobi. Cool-headed, Master’s degree holder from Oke-Ogun zone of Oyo State. A core progressive from the late Lam Adesina’s political dynasty is well respected in Oyo State APC. However, age may not be on his side as an elder, if dynamism is required of a National Secretary for a broad-based, highly networked APC.
Mogaji Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe: multidisciplinary, intellectually savvy technocrat from Oyo State with countless academic qualifications and unbeatable corporate experience.
However, his party administration experience is minimal, although he has been a good financier of Oyo State APC. Being APC National Secretary may not be Mogaji Tegbe’s priority now as he is focused on his gubernatorial ambition to govern Oyo State.
Idowu Ayodele, writes from Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
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