Politics
Oyo 2019 : Olowofela Promises to Hold Regular Town Hall Meetings
THE All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Ido/Ibarapa East Federal Constituency in the 2019 elections, Professor Adeniyi Olowofela on Saturday pledged to hold regular public town hall meetings with the constituents.
Olowofela, who stated this during his community outreach tour to some Communities in Apete in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo state, also promised to have an open door policy to encourage open communication, feedback, and discussion about any matter of importance.
“It has become imperative for me to periodically render account of stewardship as well as interact with my constituents on diverse issues of governance. The town hall meeting will assist my resolve to run an all-inclusive government in which no one or segment of the society would be left behind”, Olowofela said.
The House of Representatives candidate further noted that the forum will also provide a steady platform for the constituents as well as other key stakeholders to be part of decision making process in the constituency.
“This, of course, is the haecceity of democracy. For any democratic system to be truly about the people, it is critical that every democratically elected lawmaker constantly relates with the citizens on key issues of governance”.
The ex- Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology also added that the people remain the bedrock of democracy and as such it is critical that their views on government policies and programmes are carefully and systematically sought from time to time. With this, it will be easy to work out strategic means to determine ways of improving the quality of the citizenry’s social life”.
The former council chief of Ido Local Government, who maintained that opinions of various stakeholders as well as resolutions would be helpful in assisting him to prioritise developmental plans across various sectors of the constituency, also stressed that, besides helping his office to prioritise its activities, the town hall meetings are equally expected to offer opportunity for the people to be briefed about various policies and activities of government on a quarterly basis.
“This is quite important because where access to information is lacking, the citizenry are bound to take rumours, falsehoods, half-truths and misconceptions as the gospel truth, especially in this era of unbridled social media phenomenon”, Olowofela said.
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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