New Cabinet: We Can’t Influence Buhari’s Choice, Says Oyo APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has faulted speculations in some section of the media alleging that it was nominating candidate to represent the state in the new cabinet expected to be put in place by President Muhammadu Buhari after his second term inauguration on May 29, 2019.

There have been rumours and media reports of alleged backing of a named individual by the leadership of Oyo APC as its preferred choice for the state’s statutory ministerial slot against the possible interest from other party members and indigenes of the Pacesetter State.

In a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan on Tuesday and personally signed by the State Chairman, Chief Akin Oke, the Party regretted that “a national newspaper of Nigerian Tribune status could throw caution into the wind by adding flesh to the unfounded rumour in its last Sunday edition when it published a story of a fake nomination which it could not even substantiate.

“To set the record straight, there was never a time Mr. President or any of his aides contacted us for ministerial nomination and as such, we could not have made any effort to suggest or nominate anyone to represent the state in the new cabinet. More so, such nomination and appointment is the prerogative of Mr. President and the law of the land is clear on this.

“As much as we crave for the appointment of a competent hand from our dear state, who would add value to the cause of a better nation and contribute his quota to the revitalization of Oyo APC, we have no reason to influence President Buhari’s choice of nominee. Therefore, we encourage every qualified and interested party faithful.

Meanwhile, the Party has appealed to its estranged members who left in the build up to the last Party Congresses to return “as the rebuilding process aimed at accommodating all regardless of the fact that most of them left to pursue individual interest which eventually resulted in none of them recording any victory at the poll.

“The unfortunate scenario that led to the unfavourable outcome of the March 9 gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections is regrettable and we are glad that most of the players have realized their mistake. Consequently, the party in the state is more than ready to welcome all its former members back to its fold to allow for timely fence mending in preparation for future challenges.” Oke added.