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.
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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