Politics
Oyo APC chieftain debunks alleged ‘plot to hijack party’, warns against dragging Ajimobi’s name
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Afeez Bolaji Repete, on Wednesday, called for calmness amid fears that the wife of the immediate past governor of Oyo State, Florence Ajimobi , is planning to hijack the party structure in the state, saying “there is no truth in the alleged plan”.
The outgoing Deputy National Youth leader of the party, also warned rumour-mongers and political desperados against dragging the name of the former first lady into the ‘internal conflict’ as gladiators tussle for Oyo APC chairmanship seat.
According to him, the widow of late Governor of Oyo state has no preferred gubernatorial candidate, adding that “she is not supporting any aspirant. Anyone that emerges will be supported by Mrs. Ajimobi”.
Repete, maintained that Ajimobi has made ardent strides in uniting the party and in keeping her late husband’s legacy.
The Oyo APC chieftain, in a statement, made available to newsmen in Ibadan, said, “the Oonirisa, Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi recently stated “once a First Lady always a First Lady”. He was referring to none other than the Matriarch, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi who since her husband’s demise has held the fort in progressive politics.
“Mrs. Ajimobi has been in attendance at various conferences. She has been awarded recently by the National Ministry of Health for her Outstanding Role in Cancer Prevention and Control. She has been up and doing, ensuring the sorrow does not take the best of her. She has made ardent strides in uniting the APC and in keeping her husband’s legacy
“Recently, she visited the former Governors of Oyo State, Governor Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja and Governor Alao-Akala. The reason for her visit is to foster peace and love. It has however been misunderstood by some people and misinterpreted to mean she wants to force an interest on the APC chairmanship.
“In a release circulating round, Mrs. Ajimobi is being accused of trying to sell the candidature of a State Chairman for the APC.
It continued, “Mrs. Ajimobi is well loved by all the party leaders and members because of her humility and empowerment of people especially women when she was the state First Lady. As against the rumors, she is not interested in becoming Leader but she is concerned about the preservation of her husband’s legacy.
She is perfectly keeping the legacy of her husband alive through SAAF (Senator Abiola Ajimobi Foundation).
“Associates of her late husband and majority of the party members believe in her human relations and in her ability to unite the party. She can unite all groups and set the party towards victory in the 2023 elections. She is interested in doing this and not in causing any crisis or forcing any candidates on the people.
“Mrs. Ajimobi has no preferred gubernatorial candidate and she is not supporting any aspirant. Anyone that emerges will be supported by Mrs. Ajimobi.
“At this juncture, when we are trying to heal the wound in our party, I appeal to the political bandits to stop dragging her name. We all need her support in 2023.
“We all need to come together as one and through party democracy, choose our leadership. We will also choose our candidates and go to the polls as one United and formidable party in 2023”, the statement concluded.
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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