Politics
Oyo 2019: I have political clout to win Feb. 16 poll, says Semiu Alao
THE Candidate contesting for Ibadan North East/ South East Federal Constituency under the flagship of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Mr. Semiu Oladimeji Alao has boosted that he has the clout to win the February 16, 2019 election.
Alao while speaking with Mega Icon Magazine on Saturday during a ward meeting in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital averred that the Buhari tsunami that stood majority candidates of All Progressive Congress (APC) chances to win popular votes in 2015 Presidential and National Assembly elections will not happen in this year’s election.
According to him, people are wised up because instead of voting for a party, they will rather vote for the credible candidates. “Buhari tsunami that made all APC’s candidates worn in 2015 election can’t happen this year’s February 16, 2019 election because people are wised up. They don’t follow party anymore but candidates’ credibility. All persons in ZLP are people’s favourites like Baba Ladoja, Sharafadeen Alli and my humble self because of my good political antecedents and I believe I have the political clout to win the forthcoming election.
“The incumbent member representating my constituency is not doing well enough, and I promise with my credibility in the political circle, I’m the candidate to beat come 2019. I have made people happy through my empowerment programs and other ways I have helped people. This yuletide, I organized a Christmas party for all the children in 12 wards each from two local councils in the constituency because I learnt many people don’t have money to celebrate Christmas with their children and a reason we made them laughed home with gifts. Therefore, I’m people’s best friend”.
Speaking on his missions to contest for the electoral position, Alao said: “my aim is to give best ever representation in the National Assembly and secondly, to correct past anomalies of act of neglects by the past and present members of representatives. And lastly is to answer the call of my people and God by doing their wishes.
“The issue of bench warmers, is the reason some of us are showing interest to ensure we represent our constituents better by raising motions and presenting bills that will contribute to the wellbeing of the constituents. I’m promising members of my constituency that I will not go there to do ‘I support’ but render services to better their lives because the crop of lawmakers we had in the past, didn’t contribute to development of their constituency and a reason for so much underdevelopments.
“We need to understand that federal executives can’t know all the problems confronting our people at the grassroots. That’s why we are representatives to bring those problems to the knowledge of the federal government so that they can find lasting solutions to them. That is why people need a caring person like me to show care they deserve”, he said.
Also speaking on the party status, Alao continued: “ZLP at the moment has no problem and the beauty of the political party to be honest with you is that, is free of impunity, godfatherism or cabal. Here in the party, everybody has a say. You can see the mammoth crowd at the ward meeting. This shows all is well with the party. So, we are thankful to God because He had made the impossibility possible for us”,
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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