Politics
Oyo 2019: Why I Left APC, Rotimi Ajanaku Reveals
GOVERNOR Abiola Ajimobi’s ally, Otunba Rotimi Ajanaku on Sunday informed that the need to salvage his political career made him dump the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC), for the opposition Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in Oyo state.
The far famed business mogul, Ajanaku who spoke at a press conference in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital officially declared for ZLP, just as recalling that he contested the APC primaries alongside Hon. Saheed Ajibade-Fijabi, who is running for the third term to represent Ibadan North West / South West federal constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
According to Ajanaku, his decision was in consideration of the plights of his loyalists who have at different times put their lives on the line for his political pursuit, which he noted should not go in vain.
The business mogul further emphasized that he clearly defeated Fijabi in the primaries, which was allegedly rigged by Mr Demola Seriki-led Electoral committee that supervises the primaries held on October 4, 2018 in favour of Fijabi.
Ajanaku stressed that the appeal panel was compelled to succumb to the intense pressure from the clique to disregard his appeal.
He said, “in spite of my petition backed up with ample video evidence of the ‘robbery’, the powers-that-be influenced the appeal panel judgement.
“I decided to wait patiently for the panel’s verdict before calling for this press conference, I refrained from whatever May truncate the appeal process of the National Working Committee, NWC, of the All Progressives Congress, APC. Now that the pane had taken a position, it is incumbent on me to inform the general public about what transpired, and my next line of actions.
“In view of persistent pressure from my supporters and electorates who are already tired of the member representing the federal constituency, I, Otunba Rotimi Ajanaku, has decided to run for the House of Representatives on the platform of Zenith Labour Party, ZLP, since there is no provision for independent candidacy”.
Ajanaku continued, “although, it is a painful decision that needs to be taken, judging by my investment in the Progressives since the days of the Alliance for Democracy, AD. However, I must save my political career from extinction. As an accomplished plight of my loyalists who have at different times put their lives on the line for my political pursuit. They should not labour in vain.”
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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