Politics
Oyo APC Congress: Oke dismisses rumour of list rejection, warns desperate members
Caretaker Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state, Chief Akin Oke, has described the alleged rejection of the harmonised list of the new state Executive Committee of the party by its national leadership as “a wicked rumour coming from some desperate and overzealous politicians who do not mean well for the masses.”
An Ibadan-based online medium had on Wednesday reportedly that Chief Oke visited the Abuja national secretariat of the APC but was turned back as the harmonized list of the new State Executive Committee members he wanted to submit was rejected on the ground that it was not duly endorsed by one or two named stakeholders but this was immediately found to be untrue as the publisher later withdrew the story from circulation.
In his reaction to the development through a statement he personally issued and made available to journalists in Ibadan on Wednesday, Chief Oke frowned at what he described as “deliberate attempts by some supposed party members to use a section of the media to create a panic situation with a view imposing their selfish agenda on the generality of the party membership in the state.
“As rightly stated by a concerned chieftain of our dear party, Mr. Afeez Bolaji Repete, there is no iota of truth in the information contained in the news story which we have confirmed to have been sponsored by the same elements who are bent on setting Oyo APC on fire. The truth of the matter is that I was in Ibadan all through today (Wednesday) and I neither traveled to Abuja nor sent any list to our national secretariat.
“Concerned stakeholders are still consulting on how to achieve the desired harmonization in the face of varying interest among the different tendencies. We are in regular contact with Abuja and they are aware that we need little time more to come up with the list. So, the question of a list being taken to Abuja and rejected does not arise at all.
“Concern leaders and stakeholders are to meet this Friday again to take a final decision on the matter and we can assure the general public that everything will be fine. As a result of this, we appeal to all members and supporters of our great Party to remain calm and eschew all acts capable of causing unnecessary panic or disrupting the peace process as mid-wived by the national leadership of the party last week in Abuja.
“In conclusion, we use this medium to make a strong appeal to journalists to always double check their facts and balance their stories before rushing to press. We are in an era where some unscrupulous political players look for partners among media practitioners to drive their antics. But it is highly imperative for professionals in the media industry to avoid any compromise on the ethics of journalism for whatever reasons in a bid to assist the cause of democracy and nation building”, Oke stressed.
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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