Politics
Oyo APC guber primary : Who wears the crown? || By Akinyode Ishola
BEYOND reasonable doubt, the 2019 general elections is gathering momentum as the gubernatorial hopefuls under the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state are increasing on a daily basis.
Since the country returned to civilian rule in 1999, this is the first time an interesting number of political gladiators, irrespective of political faith are showing their interests to contest for the number one seat in the state.
INTERVIEW: Seyi Makinde is a political illiterate – Oyo APC guber aspirant, Thomas
For Instance in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), it was reported that at least 14 notable aspirants had earlier declared their intentions officially at its Oke -Ado state party secretariat or local governments and wards respectfully.
While posters, banners and billboards of other aspirants also flood the state revealing an inexhaustible number of governorship aspirants eyeing the Agodi Government House.
With the registration of another 26 more political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), only God knows how political parties will present their Governorship candidates in the 2019 election in the state.
For the purpose of this discussion, it is imperative to critically analyse the chances of some APC aspirants ahead of the party’s guber primary billed for September.
This analysis will also be extended to some major political parties in the state with a view of given our numerous readers critical analysis and possibility of these aspirants to clinch the ticket of their respective political parties.
Without mincing words, the 8-year administration of Governor Abiola Ajimobi has necessitated the passion and interest people have for Governorship seat in the state.
Indeed everybody wants to become ‘Mr Constituted Authority’ (CA).
Unlike 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011 and ,2015 where few aspirants declared their intention. The September Governorship primary election of the APC as predicted will have at least 10 to 15 aspirants except last minute consultation and permutation which is a perpetual act during the primary elections
Method of the primary elections
As at the time of this analysis, how the primary elections will be conducted is not clearly stated, whether it is consensus candidate, Delegates’ or Direct Primary elections as it was the determinant factor in the just concluded Osun state Primary Governorship election in the APC.
No fewer than 6 aspirants were currently serving under Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s administration Including Secretary to the state Government, Alhaji Olalekan Alli, Commissioner for Health, Dr Azeez Adeduntan, his land and Survey counterpart, Mr Ajiboye Omodewu, Immediate past Oyo state Head of Service and Executive Assistant to the Governor, Mr Soji Eniade, former Commissioner for Natural Resources and now Special Adviser on Natural Resources, Chief Olanrewaju Abogun and the Executive Assistant to the Governor on political matters, Barrister Moronkola Thomas are jostling to be occupant of Agodi Government House.
Other aspirants who are not members of Ajimobi’s cabinet include former governor Adebayo Alao Akala, the immediate past Deputy Governor, Operations Central Bank of Nigeria, Chief Bayo Adelabu, Strategies and lead Partner KPMG, Engr Olasunkanmi Tegbe , Former Chief Press Secretary to late Oyo state Governor, Alhaji Lam Adesina, Mr Kehinde Olaosebikan, the Ibarapa born business magnate, Dr. Olusola Ayansola, Former Commissioner for Health, Dr Owolabi Babalola and few other aspirants also intensified efforts through their consultation with the party executives and members to be the next Governor of the pace setter state.
All these aspirants were eminently qualified to succeed Governor Ajimobi based on their academic qualifications and political experience.
Oyo 2019: Akala rejects PDP leadership offer, restates commitment to APC
Although September is around the corner, who will be the next standard bearer of the party is a serious task for the governor and the party executives as aspirants have begun their permutations and political calculations.
With less than few weeks to the APC Governorship Primary election rumour and false information has dominated the social media platforms spreading unconfirmed stories and analysis.
This is not new in politics especially at the twilight of any administration and when political mood seems to have been activated. It is however, important to verify the source of information before diffusing it in order to protect the Nigeria nascent democracy.
To be continued…
By Akinyode Ishola (Mega Icon Magazine, Political Desk)
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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