Politics
Oyo APC Guber Primary: Who Wears The Crown Part 3 || By Akinyode Ishola
THE closure of the voters’ registration exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) further indicates that 2019 general elections is a matter of days after this year.
What next is for the political parties to pick their standard bearers running for their preferred elective positions come 2019.
The battle on who picks the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Oyo State and the eventual successor of Governor Abiola Ajimobi continues.
The battle for the soul of regards to who will succeed Governor Abiola Ajimobi by clinching the APC Governorship ticket.
Privileged information reveals that direct primary has been adopted by the APC to select its Presidential candidate while some states may likely follow suit in selecting their respective candidates
Akala
No doubt, Otunba Alao-Akala remains a significant factor to reckon with as far as Oyo politics is concern.
Having contested the seat in 2007, 2011and 2015 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party (LP) respectively, former Governor Alao-Akala is indeed ready for the coming back to Agodi Government House except last minute political consultation and change of mind.
Plus or Minus
Alao-Akala has the most formidable group among the APC governorship aspirants and his political experience as a former council boss, Deputy Governor and state Governor is a greater advantage.
Presently, his son Olajuwonlo Alao Akala is the council gaffer of Ogbomoso North Local Government and age factor; as well as zoning arrangement may fault Otunba Alao-Akala’s chances of becoming the Governor of Oyo state again.
Asides this, former Governor Alao-Akala is constitutionally qualified to contest.
Amiable SSG for Governor.
Alli
Mr Ismael Olalekan Alli joined Governor Abiola Ajimobi led administration over 4 years ago as a seasoned administrator and strategist.
Alhaji Alli’s contributions to the sustainability of the present administration is noticeable, hence the need for people to accord him respect.
The declaration of the incumbent SSG has truncated the initial political calculations and permutations of some chieftains, especially some cabinet members eyeing the most exalted seat in the state.
Plus or Minus
Any aspirant from Ibadan has brighter chance to be the standard bearer of the APC while loyalty to Governor Abiola Ajimobi is an advantage for Alli. The amiable SSG who was Governor Ajimobi’s junior in secondary school at Lagelu Grammar School also maintained a worthwhile relationship with his boss, but he lacks vibrant political mobilizers and strategists.
BAYO We Can Trust
Shittu
Barrister Adebayo Shittu who is the current Minister of Communications is not new in the political game of Oyo state, he’s familiar with the terrain.
Having served as member of the Oyo State House of Assembly and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Shittu was the governorship candidate of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in 2011 and APC guber aspirant in 2015.
Although, the governorship ambition of Bayo Shittu was opaque until his recent leave of Absent was granted by President Muhammadu Buhari
Plus or Minus
Presently Barrister Adebayo Shittu has a shaky relationship with Governor Abiola Ajimobi which may truncate his chances of winning at the primary but his closeness and relationship with President Buhari seems to be a great strength.
With Shittu, Omodewu, Fatai Buhari and Alao- Akala coming out from the same senatorial district – Oyo North will not only polarized their interests, but pave way for any aspirant to emerge from other districts.
#ERUOBODO 2019#
Ayandele
Dr Olusola Ayandele is an Ibarapa born industrialist who has administrative and managerial skills in both public and private sector
Since joining the guber race, Dr Ayandele had enjoyed warm reception from the leaders and members of the APC which has indeed boosted his morale and energized his aspiration towards the realisation of Agodi Government House dream.
Dr Ayandele popularly addressed as Eruobodo by his numerous followers is the second guber hopeful from the Ibarapa zone after Dr Ismael Adewusi .
Plus or Minus
Dr Olusola Ayandele is the only APC governorship aspirant from Ibarapa and if the primary election is a direct one, the block vote from his zone is a plus for Ayandele.
Meanwhile, it is also a minus for him because, Dr Ayandele is from the minority zone and taking cognizance of the Ibadan factor, it may be a gap needed to be filled on time. Asides this, Dr Ayandele ‘is a goal’
Eni Tia De 2019
Eniade
Mr Soji Eniade is the immediate past Head of Service in Oyo state and presently the Executive Assistant to Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
Mr Eniade who is the son of an APC Chieftain in Ibadan North East Local Government, Chief Ayo Eniade played prominent role in this government as a bridge builder especially during the face off between government and labour leaders in the state.
Plus or Minus
When its comes to party politics and grassroot mobilization, Eniade is not a novice. His experience as Head of Service is an added advantage.
But his inability to reach out to wards, local government areas and lack of media hype may affect his quest.
Omodewu 2019
Omodewu
Mr Isaac Ajiboye Omodewu is the only governorship aspirants from Oke-ogun zone asides Barrister Adebayo Shittu and with the tactical withdrawal of the state Deputy Governor, Otunba Moses Adeyemo from the race and defection of Professor Adeolu Akande, Engr Rauf Olaniyan to the ADP. It is indeed, an opportunity for him.
In the last few weeks, the aggressive campaign by Team Omodewu has enhanced his chances.
Plus or Minus
The Otu born politician, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area, Omodewu is an established aspirant having served with Governor Abiola Ajimobi since 2011 till date. The former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters is a kitchen cabinet member and an age long associate of the governor.
Can Omodewu, who now seats on the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development garner the votes of APC members in Oke-Ogun? If yes, then positive result is possible, otherwise the chance to succeed his boss is tiny.
Why Olaosebikan for Governor?
Olaosebikan
Kehinde Olaosebikan is not a novice in the Oyo state politics, having served as Oluyole local government chairman and chief press secretary to late Governor Lam Adesina. He’s an experienced man for the job.
The Onipe born politician is a journalist and grassroot mobilizer who knows where shoe pinches.
Plus or Minus
Kenny’s political awareness is a gradual process and not aggressive like his fellow governorship aspirants, which may as well affect his aspiration. But his passion for good governance and his charismatic leadership coupled with youth inclusive is an added advantage for Olaosebikan.
Fatai Buhari For Governor
Buhari
Dr Abdulfatai Buhari is the current senator representing Oyo North senatorial district in the upper legislative chamber.
His contribution to the district is unprecedented compared to previous senators who had earlier represented Oyo North at the Senate.
Dr Fatai Buhari’s governorship ambition is borne out of passion he had for good governance and development of Oyo state.
Plus or Minus
Dr Fatai Buhari has the grassroot APC especially some local governments in his district which is a plus for him. Meanwhile, the declaration of former Governor Alao-Akala may jeopardise his gubernatorial ambition and Ibadan factor is another issue to be considered.
Another strong governorship aspirant is Chief Adeniyi Michael Akintola SAN. The legal luminary is among the highly cerebral and experienced aspirant jostling for the number one seat in the state.
Akintola
The legal colossus, who has maintained a rhythmic success story in his legal business was a former member and Deputy speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly.
Now, Akintola is back to contribute his quota to the development of the state.
Plus or Minus
Chief Akintola, a native of Ibadan with his village situated in Ido Local Government has greater advantage in terms of connections, network and past political experience. However, his campaign process is seemingly slow and not enticing.
Dr Moronkola Thomas is an household name in Oyo politics having served governments in various capacities.
Thomas
The ‘Commissioner Emeritus’ is currently serving as Executive Assistant to the Governor on Politic Matters.
Plus or Minus
Dr Moronkola Thomas is among the Governors’ aides who worked for the sustainability of this administration which is a plus for him but Dr Thomas campaign has remained static, not really spreading across unlike other aspirants.
The highly cerebral and experienced lawyer is a political strategist, but, he lacks the financial strength to fight the battle before him.
A former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, has been sworn in as the Chairman of the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), urging members of the party to rally support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Adeyemo formally assumed office on Friday following the inauguration of the newly elected State Executive Committee members who will manage the affairs of the party in the state for the next four years.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the party’s State Secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, marked the climax of the party’s 2026 congresses in the state.
The South-West Zonal Legal Adviser of the APC, Kolawole Majaro, administered the oath of office on Adeyemo and 35 other members of the State Executive Committee.
The executives had emerged through a consensus arrangement during the March 3, 2026 state congress held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, under the supervision of a committee led by Amos Gombi from the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.
In his acceptance speech, Adeyemo described his emergence as a renewed call to service, pledging to strengthen the party and sustain unity among members.
He appreciated party leaders within and outside the state for ensuring a smooth and successful congress process.
Adeyemo also commended members of the Local Organising Committee, particularly Fatai Ibikunle and Afeez Bolaji Repete, for their contributions to the success of the exercise.
He said, “This new State Executive Committee under my leadership is being put in place to add value and strengthen our great party in view of the challenges ahead.
“We have used the opportunity of the congresses to showcase our collective commitment to unity and harmony as progressives and democrats.”
The new chairman expressed optimism that the atmosphere of peace within the party would be sustained ahead of future party primaries and the 2027 elections.
According to him, the party’s target is to secure 90 per cent of the votes in Oyo State for President Tinubu while also reclaiming the state’s Government House in 2027.
Adeyemo praised the President’s leadership, saying the administration was delivering on its promises.
“President Tinubu is, no doubt, performing beyond our expectations and the best way to appreciate his good work is to retain him in Aso Rock until 2031,” he said.
“Against all odds, the President is pursuing his Renewed Hope Agenda with vigour and passion, while the positive results are being felt across sectors of the economy and national life.”
Other members of the newly inaugurated executive include Taofeek Lamidi as Deputy Chairman, Fatai Adesina as State Secretary, Adekemi Opatunde as Woman Leader, Olawale Sadare as Publicity Secretary, Olalekan Oladejo as Youth Leader, and Remi Adepoju as Organising Secretary.
Also inaugurated were Ajiboye Akinsanya as Treasurer, Sunday Aborisade as Legal Adviser, Tinuade Adigun as Auditor, Lukman Owonikoko as Assistant State Secretary, Fatimah Hassan as Deputy Woman Leader, and Jimoh Osundara as the Leader of Persons Living With Disabilities, among others.
The Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, on Thursday announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that he had joined the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State, made the announcement during a media briefing in Abuja, attributing his decision to what he described as irreconcilable differences within the PDP.
The lawmaker said the emergence of the NDC would strengthen Nigeria’s democratic system by providing a credible opposition platform.
According to him, the party recently received its certificate of registration from the Independent National Electoral Commission.
He said, “Last week INEC issued a certificate of registration and we now have the newest party in Nigeria known as the Nigeria Democratic Congress and our symbol is victory, the victory sign.
“So, my dear Nigerians, you now have a credible alternative opposition party known as the Nigeria Democratic Congress.”
Dickson noted that although the party’s registration took longer than expected, its eventual approval was a welcome development for the country’s democratic landscape.
“Yes, it is coming at this time. We would have wished it started some years or months back. We don’t control INEC and their processes; they delayed. We don’t also control the judiciary, but thank God it has finally arrived,” he said.
The senator also stressed that Nigeria’s democracy must not slide into a one-party system, insisting that political diversity remained vital for national stability.
“This nation cannot be a one-party state. Nigeria cannot be a one-party state. Nigeria is not designed to be a one-party state.
“We are a very diverse nation culturally, religiously and politically and that is the beauty of our country.
“So anyone or any party promoting one-party rule in Nigeria is mistaken. We build political parties and get involved in movements to access power for the good of the people, not for our personal benefit,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission recently announced the registration of two new political parties.
The parties are the Democratic Leadership Alliance and the Nigeria Democratic Congress, bringing the total number of registered political parties in Nigeria to 21.
The announcement was made by the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, during the commission’s first quarterly consultative meeting with political party stakeholders for 2026.
According to him, the Democratic Leadership Alliance completed the required verification process, while the Nigeria Democratic Congress was registered in compliance with a Federal High Court order.
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has congratulated the newly elected State Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State.
The party, at its state congress held on Tuesday at Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, elected a former Deputy Governor of the state, Moses Alake Adeyemo, as its new chairman alongside other state executive members.
Oseni, in a statement on Wednesday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, described Adeyemo’s emergence as well-deserved, noting that his experience and longstanding commitment to the party would further strengthen its structure in the state.
He said the peaceful conduct of the congress demonstrated the party’s commitment to internal democracy and progressive leadership.
The statement said, “I congratulate our newly elected State Chairman and leader, His Excellency, Moses Alake Adeyemo, and other members of the State Executive Committee on their emergence. This victory reflects the confidence reposed in them by party members across the state.”
Oseni further expressed confidence that the new leadership would reposition the party for greater cohesion and electoral success.
According to him, “This is a critical moment for our party in Oyo State. It calls for unity, reconciliation, and renewed commitment to the ideals that bind us together as progressives.”
The federal lawmaker assured the new executives of his support and cooperation in advancing the programmes of the party and strengthening its grassroots structures.
He urged party members to rally behind the new leadership to ensure stability and secure future victories for the APC in the state.
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