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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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APC Secretariat Violence: Oyo Lawmaker Denies Assault, Alleges Smear Campaign

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The lawmaker representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency of Oyo State, Olafisoye Akinmoyede, has denied allegations of violence at the All Progressives Congress (APC) state secretariat, describing claims that he assaulted a party member as false and politically motivated.

An online platform, IMPARTNEWSNETWORK, had alleged that Akinmoyede assaulted one Gafar Oyebade during a meeting convened by the state chairman of the party, Alake Adeyemo, to resolve issues surrounding the executive list of the APC in Lagelu Local Government Area.

However, Akinmoyede, in a statement on Tuesday, said the meeting was peaceful and attended by key members of the state executive, including the chairman, deputy chairman, and secretary, who witnessed the proceedings.

He clarified that contrary to Oyebade’s claim of being the party secretary, the official list presented by the state leadership recognised him as the Public Relations Officer.

According to the lawmaker, following the clarification, the state executive directed the Lagelu Local Government chairman, Fatai Awoyoola, to proceed with the swearing-in of other party officials.

Akinmoyede also faulted attempts to link the incident with the 2019 killing of a former federal lawmaker, noting that a court of competent jurisdiction had already ruled on the matter.

He said, “In Suit No. I/70c/2019, delivered by Justice Mufutau Adegbola on January 23, 2020, all those accused were discharged and acquitted.”

The lawmaker expressed concern over what he described as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, alleging that Oyebade, a public school teacher under the Oyo State Government, should not be involved in partisan politics.

He described the allegation as a “recycled script” aimed at tarnishing his image ahead of political activities, urging constituents to remain calm.

Akinmoyede also called on journalists to verify information before publication and urged security agencies to take action against individuals who file false reports.

“These tactics surface every election cycle. Those behind them should learn to accept the outcomes of political processes. They failed before and will fail again. Power comes from God,” he added.

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Oyo Reps Member Denies Assault, Dares APC Chieftain to Prove ‘Hospitalisation’ Claim

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‎The lawmaker representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Olafisoye Akinmoyede, has denied allegations of assault levelled against him by a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagelu Local Government Area, Mr. Gafar Oyebade.

Akinmoyede described the allegation as “false” and “a lie taken too far,” insisting that no physical altercation occurred.

The denial was contained in a statement issued on Monday by his Legislative Aide, Dr. Isiaq Akintunde.

Oyebade had alleged that he was hospitalised following a confrontation during a meeting held at the office of the state party chairman in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, convened to resolve a leadership dispute in the local government.

‎But the federal lawmaker maintained that the meeting was peaceful and attended by top party officials.

‎“The meeting was convened to clarify Mr. Oyebade’s position within the local executive, and it was attended by the State Party Chairman, his deputy, the secretary, the publicity secretary, and other key state executives, all of whom witnessed the peaceful proceedings,” the statement read.

‎He added that contrary to Oyebade’s claim of being the party secretary, the official list presented by the Lagelu Local Government Party Chairman, Hon. Fatai Awoyoola, identified him as the Public Relations Officer.

‎According to Akinmoyede, the state executive thereafter directed Awoyoola to proceed with the swearing-in of the remaining members of the local government executive.

‎The lawmaker accused Oyebade of fabricating the allegation to advance political interests.

‎“I wonder why Mr. Gafar Oyebade, a secondary school teacher, would claim he was assaulted in the presence of the State Executive. This is an attempt to justify money allegedly collected from an aspirant to tarnish my image,” he said.

‎Akinmoyede further claimed that Oyebade was seen walking freely after the meeting and was not hospitalised as alleged.

‎He also raised concerns over Oyebade’s involvement in partisan politics, noting that civil servants are restricted from active participation in political activities.

The lawmaker called on security agencies and the media to investigate the incident at the party’s Oke-Ado office to ascertain the veracity of the claims.

‎Efforts to reach Oyebade for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

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2027: Oseni kicks off Oyo South Senate bid, rallies support for one million Tinubu votes

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The lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, Aderemi Oseni, has declared his intention to contest the Oyo South Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.

Oseni made his aspiration known during a high-level meeting with the Ibarapa APC Elders’ and Leaders’ Forum, comprising the G9 and the expanded G64 caucus, held at the party secretariat in Eruwa, Ibarapa East Local Government Area, over the weekend.

The G9 and G64 groups consist of influential stakeholders drawn from Ibarapa East, Ibarapa Central, and Ibarapa North local government areas.

In a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the lawmaker expressed appreciation to the forum for their support and confidence in his leadership and vision.

He said his ambition to represent Oyo South Senatorial District was anchored on a determination to consolidate and expand his record of performance.

Oseni said, “This aspiration is not built on mere rhetoric, but on the continuity and expansion of a proven track record of quality representation and grassroots-oriented governance.”

While soliciting the support of party leaders, he described his ambition as a divine call to serve the people with renewed dedication.

According to him, “This is not a time for self-glory but a sacred responsibility to intensify efforts towards real development, bring more relief to our people and ensure inclusive governance.”

He pledged not to betray the trust reposed in him by party elders and faithful, stressing that his aspiration is rooted in progressive ideals and a genuine commitment to the development of the district.

Oseni also urged leaders in the zone to mobilise support towards delivering one million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the forthcoming election.

Speaking at the meeting, a leader from Ibarapa East, Chief Michael Morawo, lauded the lawmaker for delivering democratic dividends and strengthening the party structure. He added that Oseni has demonstrated commendable leadership through his performance, noting that his impact in stabilising the party within the constituency is evident.

Similarly, a former council chairman in Ibarapa Central, Chief Theophilus Adenrele, commended the lawmaker for not betraying the trust reposed in him. Also, a chieftain from Ibarapa North, Chief Francis Babalola, described Oseni as a humble leader committed to progressive ideals, dismissing speculations about his possible defection if he does not secure the governorship ticket.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the forum, Chief Timothy Jolaoso, said the lawmaker enjoys widespread grassroots acceptance that cuts across political divides.

Jolaoso said, “All indicators consistently point to Oseni as a candidate with acceptance that transcends party lines. He is not only capable but a man of deep faith with proven empathy for the downtrodden.”

He added, “He possesses the goodwill, financial strength, and public trust required for leadership.”

The elder statesman further noted that Oseni’s performance in the House of Representatives, alongside his role as Chairman of the FERMA Committee, underscores his competence and commitment to development.

 

 

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