Politics
Oyo 2019:Tension as APC guber aspirants know fate today
LESS than few hours to the anxiously expected meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirants with the incumbent Governor of Oyo state, Senator Abiola Ajimobi and other leaders of the party billed for Saturday.
During the meeting with aspirants and leaders of the party in Oyo Central Senatorial District, Governor Abiola Ajimobi told members and aspirants to put interest of the party above their personal interests.
This decision has created uneasy calm within the APC guber hopefuls in Oyo state.
Mega Icon Magazine also confirmed the palpable tension and anxiety within the aspirants as their supporters and chief promoters surreptitiously stormed the Agodi Government Secretariat last night to gather hints . The aspirants also stationed their informants to study the governor’s movement as well as to nose for more information.
It was also rumoured that the governorship candidate may likely come from the Ibadan Zone which has 52% of the voting strength. Further checks revealed that the major political parties in the state are expected to present their candidates for the number seat from the zone.
Oyo 2019: Alli seeks support in Ibarapa, Oke Ogun for guber ambition
Based on this unconfirmed information, it is imperative to predict some aspirants that may likely emerged as the standard bearer of the party in the state governorship election.
No doubt, special attention is on the APC being the ruling party, but with the declaration of multitudinous aspirants eyeing the Agodi Government House assignment on the banner of the party, raised serious concern for the leaders as well as the party executives.
Although at the national level and state like Lagos opted for Direct Primary but in the pace setter state, Consensus may be the answer.
Why Consensus Candidate?
The idea of ‘Consensus Candidate’ is not new in Oyo APC and the progressives lineage. The late ‘Great Lam’, ex- Oyo Governor of blessed memory and the incumbent Governor, Abiola Ajimobi were products of ‘consensus candidate’.
It would be recalled that in 2011 it was through consensus that Governor Abiola Ajimobi emerged and later the aggrieved candidates including Chief Femi Lanleyin, Dr Ismael Adewusi were honoured with elective and political appointments after the emergence of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) as the ruling party in the state.
Same method could also be adopted as the 2019 Governorship election draws nearer considering the high cost of APC governorship Nomination and Expression of Interest forms so as to prevent the aspirants from further expenses.
Narrowing the prospective guber candidates to Ibadan Zone only, which implies that the quest for Oke-Ogun, Ibarapa and Ogbomoso under APC is not realistic based on the present political permutations.
Ibadan Governorship Aspirants
As at the time of filling this report, no fewer than 10 guber aspirants had earlier declared their intentions to occupy the Agodi Government House. However, this report targets at least 6 aspirants, according to our findings.
The six governorship aspirants include the current Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Olalekan Alli, Serving Commissioner for Health, Dr Azeez Popoola Adeduntan, leading partner of the KPMG, Engr Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, immediate Deputy Governor Operations CBN, Chief Abdulwaheed Adebayo Adelabu, Immediate Oyo State Head of Service, Mr Soji Eniade and a brilliant legal luminary, Chief Adeniyi Akintola SAN
APC guber candidate is expected to emerge from these 6 aspirants
Continuity and Progress
Alhaji Ismael Olalekan Alli, the current SSG is one of the loyalists of Governor Abiola Ajimobi who has contributed meaningfully to the success of the Abiola Ajimobi led government.
Alhaji Alli has worked closely with Governor Ajimobi as scribe of the government for 5 years and with his over 25 years work experience in both public and private sector will ensure continuity of the good work of this administration come 2019.
Gba fun Adeduntan 2019
Dr Azeez Popoola Adeduntan, the state Commissioner for Health can eventually be considered because of his brilliant contributions to the development of the health sector in the state and past political experience.
Dr Adeduntan who is an international surgeon has what it takes to govern and facilitate more meaningful developments to the state through his international connections.
TEGBE F’ Oyo 2019
Engr Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe is a policy maker and strategist who has the experience to turn around and transform the state for the better.
Tegbe declaration to succeed Governor Abiola Ajimobi has already gathered momentum in the state especially with his style of campaign, human relations and consultation.
Adelabu 2019, Oyo First Project
Chief Adebayo Adelabu who is the grand son of the late political icon, Alhaji Adegoke Adelabu has contributed constructively, effectively and positively to the state when he was CBN Deputy Governor operations
Adelabu used his good office at CBN to facilitate projects to the The Technical University, Ibadan. Adelabu seems to be more prepared for the herculean task considering the energy, resources invested into this guber project. Age is also an advantage for the young vibrant Adelabu who may also enjoy sympathy votes from the youths.
Eni Tia De 2019
Soji Eniade is the immediate Head of Service of the state and Ibadan born administrator.
Eniade has served the state meritoriously and reached the pinnacle of his career.
The highly cerebral Eniade as Executive Assistant to the Governor, and ex Head of Service understands administration, especially policy formulation. He can be selected as standard bearer in APC.
Why not Akintola?
Chief Adeniyi Akintola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria is among the governorship aspirants that any governor can rely on for successful smooth administration.
Asides from being a legal practitioner, Chief Akintola has deep knowledge when it comes to election tribunal matters and other litigations that may likely arise after the polls
The Ido born legal luminary has once served as member of the Oyo State House of Assembly when he represented Ido state constituency. Akintola. The brilliant lawyer enjoys huge connection and network.
Barring any – last minute changes, the APC guber candidate is expected to emerge from these 6 aspirants analysed earlier, if the candidate would be from Ibadan Zone.
Leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo South Senatorial District have endorsed a member of the House of Representatives, Aderemi Oseni, as their consensus candidate for the 2027 senatorial election.
The endorsement was announced on Wednesday at a stakeholders’ meeting held at Alice Hall, Ibadan, with party leaders, stakeholders, local government chairmen and state executive members from the nine local government areas in attendance.
The councils represented at the meeting are Ibadan North, Ibadan North-East, Ibadan North-West, Ibadan South-East, Ibadan South-West, Ibarapa Central, Ibarapa East, Ibarapa North and Ido.
The stakeholders expressed satisfaction with Oseni’s aspiration, describing it as timely, credible and anchored on tested leadership and grassroots appeal.
Those present at the meeting included Chief Timothy Jolaoso (Ibarapa East); Alhaji Kamorudeen Ajisafe (Ido); Chief Abdulrauf Bello (Ido); Alhaji Muili Oluokun (Ibadan North-West); Alhaji Mufutau Adisa (Ibadan South-East); Alhaji Bello Oladeji (Ibadan North); Prince Gbade Lana (Ibadan North-East); Engr. Olatunji (Ibadan South-West); Comrade Wale Gbadamosi (Ibarapa North); and Alhaja Moji Adetona (Ibarapa Central).
Other party officials in attendance were the senatorial chairman, Alhaji Mojeed Adebayo; the secretary, Fatai Adesina; Welfare Officer, Sunday Babalola; Deputy Women Leader, Alhaja Fatimah Hassan; Auditor, Alhaja Tinu Adigun; Youth Leader, Lekan Adebayo; Ex-Officio member, Kola Amoo; Treasurer, Lateef Ajiboye; and Senatorial Youth Leader, Olalekan Olowe.
A chieftain of the party in Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Shina Alabi, moved the motion for the lawmaker’s endorsement, which was seconded and unanimously adopted by the stakeholders.
Alabi said Oseni’s decision to abide by President Bola Tinubu’s directive to step down his governorship ambition for the senatorial race underscored his loyalty and commitment to party unity.
He said, “Hon. Oseni has demonstrated uncommon commitment to the welfare of the people. His leadership style is inclusive, responsive and development-driven. We are convinced that his emergence as the APC candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District will strengthen the party’s chances and guarantee effective representation.”
He also urged party members to remain united and rally behind credible aspirants with proven capacity and electoral value.
In his remarks, Hon. Aderemi Oseni said his decision to pursue the senatorial seat followed the presidential directives, noting that he accepted the decision in the interest of party cohesion, progress and stability. He recalled that he had earlier prepared for the Oyo South senatorial race in the 2023 general elections, having already purchased the nomination and expression of interest forms as part of an arrangement reached, before stepping down following appeals by party leaders.
The lawmaker, who chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), said the party must close ranks to reclaim political dominance in the senatorial district.
According to him, “There is a huge task ahead, especially with several House of Representatives seats in the district currently held by the opposition. We must work together, mobilise effectively and secure victory for our party and leader, President Bola Tinubu”.
Oseni thanked party leaders and stakeholders for the confidence reposed in him and assured them of his commitment to advancing the interests of Oyo South Senatorial District.
The meeting also had representatives from all nine local government areas, with about 10 leaders from each council in attendance.
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.
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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