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Oyo 2019 Elections: Surprises And Challenges Ahead || By Akinyode Ishola

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I don’t know what to write when the much anticipated February 23 Presidential and National Assembly elections sprang expected and unexpected surprises as well as disrupting the permutations and calculations of the political analysts.

The poll was also a tedious exercise for the officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), especially the Presiding Officers, Returning Officers, Chief Returning Officers and Domestic and Foreign Election Observers.

Members of the fourth estate of realm were not left out especially in the area of informing the public on the happenings and giving situation reports of the elections to their respective media houses.

The Presidential and National Elections held on Saturday February 23, no doubt sprang some surprises and challenges that changed the political permutations and calculations; hence the need for realignment in the Oyo state politics.

Since the Nation’s return to uninterrupted democracy in May 1999, battle to take over the Agodi Government House always attract more attention within and outside the state, the reason is that Ibadan has remained the political headquarters of the Southwest where political decisions were usually concluded.

Now, all political parties have tested their strengths and perhaps know the weaknesses as well as identified the strongholds ahead of the March 9 Governorship and State House of Assembly Elections

The big question is who will occupy the Agodi Government House?

No doubt, with the permutations and calculations on ground, especially with the outcome of the February 23 Elections, one can easily concludes that the battle is between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic party (PDP).

Even on social media platforms and newspapers’ stands, the discussion is about Adebayo Adelabu of the APC and Seyi Makinde of the PDP, while some members of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Oyo State was allegedly canvassing for Seyi Makinde, some Muslim Organizations drummed their supports for Adebayo Adelabu  making the battle more interesting.

However, statistically, the APC has formidable structure in all the 33 local governments across the state plus 35 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) plus the unprecedented achievements of the state government in the last seven and half years. It is expected nothing less than victory at the poll.

Although APC won 9 House of Representatives’ seats and two senatorial districts, but poor results from Ibarapa land and some local governments in Ibadan which
necessitated the loss of Oyo South Senatorial District to opposition can not make the APC to rest comfortably.

On the part of the PDP, the results of Saturday February 23 elections was a greater improvement when compared to the outcome of 2015 elections

The Presidential election results also revealed that PDP won Oyo state with margin of 1000 votes, meaning that they are ready to slog it out with the progressive

Transfer Window

The term transfer window is not new to lovers of round leather game,the two leading political parties now signed new players ahead of the Oyo 2019 political champions league final.

The new signing of APC, as learnt included, Former Governor of Oyo state, Otunba Adebayo Alao- Akala, Hon Olatoye Sugar, Hon Adigun Hammed, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, Hon Dapo Lam Adesina, Sen Monsurat Sunmonu, Sen Adesoji Akanbi and other members of the African Democratic Party (ADP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC)

The new signing will join the already established team led by the incumbent Governor of the State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, former Senate leaderand Senator elect, Teslim Folarin, Senator Fatai Buhari and others ready for Saturday Final Clash.

The new signing in the PDP Camp, though yet to be sealed as at the time filling this report; are Former Governor of Oyo state and Ibadan High Chief, Rashidi Ladoja, Senator Femi Lanleyin, Barrister Sarafadeen Alli and others.

This new signing will work harmoniously with Team Seyi MAKINDE of the PDP led by Senator- Elect Muhammad Kola Balogun, Bisi Ilaka, former House Leader, Mulikat Adeola among others.

Of course, the referee will be the Chief returning officer of the state, Barrister Mutiu Agboke, Assisted by state Returning officer and Presiding officers at various polling units with security agents serve as Video Assistant Referees.

According to a Communist Tyrant Josef Stalin “Those who cast the votes decide nothing, those who count the votes decide everything ”

Without Iota of doubt, the March 9 polls may be the most keenly contested governorship election in Oyo state as all eyes are on who will succeed ‘Mr Constituted Authority’ (CA) in the race to Agodi Government House.

 

 

 

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Oyo : Oseni seeks reconciliation, urges aggrieved APC members to close ranks

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‎The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has called on aggrieved members of the party in Oyo State to put the outcome of the primary behind them and embrace reconciliation in the interest of the party ahead of the 2027 general election.

‎The appeal came on Wednesday at an enlarged meeting of APC leaders and stakeholders in Ibadan North East Local Government Area, where Oseni urged members to close ranks and work together to reposition the party for victory at the polls.

‎In a statement issued by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency said the time had come for party faithful to move beyond the disagreements that followed the primary election.

‎He said: “The primary election has come and gone. As loyal party members, our responsibility now is to unite behind the decisions of our great party and work together for its success. There is no victory without unity.”

‎The chairman House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) noted that while it was natural for party members to hold different opinions during the contest, the APC’s overriding interest must remain paramount, urging those with reservations to seek redress through dialogue rather than division.

‎According to him, “I appeal to every leader, stakeholder, member and supporter of our party to sheathe the sword, forgive one another and embrace genuine reconciliation. Our shared commitment to the APC is greater than any individual ambition.”

‎The APC senatorial candidate said the challenges confronting the party could only be overcome through collective resolve, mutual respect and sustained engagement among members across the state.

‎”The people of Oyo State expect a strong and united APC that is ready to provide purposeful leadership. We cannot afford to remain divided when there is so much work to be done. This is the time to rebuild trust, strengthen our structures and move forward together,” he said.

Oseni expressed confidence that with reconciliation, discipline and the support of party leaders and members, the APC would emerge stronger from the primary process and be well positioned to secure victory in Oyo State in the 2027 general election.

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Arapaja endorses Oseni’s Oyo South Senate bid, seeks APC victory in 2027

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A former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, has endorsed the senatorial ambition of the All Progressives Congress candidate for Oyo South, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement came during a courtesy visit by the member representing Ido/Ibarapa East Federal Constituency to Arapaja’s residence in Ibadan, where both politicians held discussions on the future of the APC and preparations for the 2027 polls.

A statement issued on Wednesday by Oseni’s Media Aide, Idowu Ayodele, said the meeting focused on strengthening the party and mobilising support to ensure the APC records victory at all levels in the forthcoming elections.

According to the statement, Arapaja expressed confidence in the lawmaker’s capacity to represent the people of Oyo South in the Senate, describing his performance in the House of Representatives as evidence of purposeful and people-centred leadership.

He was quoted as saying, “Hon. Remi Oseni has demonstrated uncommon commitment to the welfare of his constituents through people-oriented projects and impactful representation. His performance in the House of Representatives gives me every confidence that he will deliver even greater results in the Senate.”

The former deputy governor also pledged his support for Oseni’s senatorial bid and promised to work towards the success of all APC candidates in the 2027 elections, from the presidential candidate to those contesting seats in the National Assembly and the Oyo State House of Assembly.
Arapaja further appealed to Nigerians, particularly people of the South-West, to support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, saying continuity would enable the President to complete his constitutionally permitted two-term tenure.

“The South-West must remain united behind President Tinubu to enable him complete his constitutionally guaranteed eight-year tenure. We must also work collectively to ensure victory for our party at every level,” he said.

He also described Oseni as a humble, loyal and dependable politician whose consistent service had earned him the confidence of the people across Oyo South.

Also speaking, Mogaji Abass Oloko reaffirmed his support for Oseni’s senatorial aspiration and praised Arapaja’s enduring influence in Oyo politics, saying his relevance remained unquestionable because of his grassroots connection and longstanding relationship with the people.

Responding, Oseni thanked Arapaja for the warm reception, valuable counsel and endorsement, describing him as “a trusted ally, dependable leader and reliable teammate” whose support had further strengthened his resolve ahead of the 2027 elections.

The lawmaker recalled that their political relationship dated back to the period they both worked with former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola and later collaborated in the political coalition that reshaped Oyo State’s political landscape in 2018.

Oseni reiterated that leadership should be anchored on integrity, trust and honour, adding that he remained committed to providing quality representation and expanding developmental initiatives across Oyo South if elected to the Senate in 2027.

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Oseni hails Aderibigbe’s appointment as APC guber campaign DG

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, has congratulated Barr. Yemi Aderibigbe on his appointment as the Director-General of the Campaign Council of the party’s governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli.

Oseni described the appointment as well deserved, saying it was a recognition of Aderibigbe’s years of loyalty, dedication and invaluable contributions to the growth of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State.

The lawmaker, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), made this known in a statement issued on Wednesday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele.

The APC chieftain said Aderibigbe had consistently distinguished himself as a committed party stalwart, grassroots mobiliser and dependable administrator whose efforts had strengthened the APC across the state.

According to Oseni, the appointment was a testament to Aderibigbe’s competence, hard work and unwavering commitment to the ideals of the party.

“I heartily congratulate Barrister Yemi Aderibigbe on this well-deserved appointment as the Director-General of Senator Sharafadeen Alli’s Campaign Council. This is a call to greater service, and I have every confidence that you will justify the trust reposed in you,” Oseni said.

He added, “Your experience, leadership qualities and organisational skills will undoubtedly strengthen our campaign and further unite party members as we work towards securing victory for our great party in the governorship election.”

The federal lawmaker urged party leaders, members and supporters across Oyo State to rally behind the new campaign leadership and work together to ensure the APC records a resounding victory at the polls.

He also reaffirmed his unwavering support for Senator Alli’s governorship ambition, expressing optimism that the party would remain united and focused in its quest to win the election.

Before his latest appointment, Aderibigbe served as the Director-General of the Remi Oseni Committee of Friends (ROCOF), a political support group that coordinated grassroots mobilisation and political engagements for Engr. Aderemi Oseni across Oyo State.

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