Politics

Oyo APC Guber Primary: Who Wears The Crown Part 3 || By Akinyode Ishola

Published

8 years ago

September 7, 2018

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.

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Politics

Oyo South: Oseni restates commitment to people-centred legislation

Published

2 hours ago

October 9, 2026

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Oyo South and member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, has reaffirmed his commitment to people-centred legislation, saying the needs and aspirations of constituents must remain central to lawmaking and governance.

Oseni said effective representation must go beyond the passage of bills to addressing the challenges confronting communities, promoting sustainable development and facilitating interventions that improve the welfare of the people.

‎He stated this in a statement issued on Friday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan.

‎The lawmaker recalled that he had championed a community-based governance approach during the last election, emphasising grassroots participation and the need to incorporate the views of constituents into decisions affecting their lives.

‎According to him, the initiative was designed to strengthen communication between elected representatives and the people, enabling him to identify local priorities, understand emerging challenges and pursue appropriate solutions through legislative and other institutional channels.

‎Oseni said the approach had provided opportunities for engagement with community leaders, artisans, traders, market men and women, religious leaders, youths, women, teachers and other stakeholders. He added that the interactions had sustained dialogue on community needs and reinforced the importance of listening to constituents.

‎“This people-centred approach has strengthened trust in governance and reaffirmed our conviction that democracy works best when leaders listen,” he said, stressing that regular engagement was necessary to understand the concerns of different groups and ensure that their voices informed decisions affecting them.

‎He further said people-centred legislation should translate into tangible benefits through the facilitation of essential infrastructure, social interventions and other development initiatives. Such efforts, he added, should focus on improving livelihoods, strengthening local economies and expanding access to basic amenities through appropriate legislative and institutional processes.

‎The APC chieftain maintained that the responsibility of elected representatives extended beyond lawmaking to protecting the interests of constituents, encouraging innovation and supporting initiatives that could improve their welfare. He said representation should ultimately be measured by its contribution to addressing the everyday challenges of the people.

‎“Our responsibility as lawmakers goes beyond passing laws. It also involves protecting people’s dreams, nurturing innovation and safeguarding their welfare. We intend to expand and extend this initiative so that everyone can participate in our shared vision of building an Oyo South that works for all,” he said.

‎Oseni expressed his determination to deepen grassroots participation and strengthen collaboration among communities and development stakeholders, saying inclusive governance was essential to achieving sustainable development. He said his vision was to ensure that the concerns of constituents received appropriate attention and that representation translated into meaningful development across Oyo South.

Politics

Oyo: Alli condemns attacks on wife, APC candidates, alleges APM involvement

Published

18 hours ago

October 8, 2026

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The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation has raised the alarm over alleged attacks on the wife of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Alhaja Tawakalitu Alli, and two other APC candidates during separate political activities in Ibadan on Wednesday.

The organisation alleged that suspected supporters of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) were responsible for the incidents, which occurred at Ayeye, Orita-Merin and Idi-Arere areas of the state capital.

Mrs Alli was allegedly attacked during a medical outreach she organised at Ibikunle House, Ayeye, while the campaign trains of the APC candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Aderemi Oseni, and the party’s candidate for Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West Federal Constituency, Folake Olunloyo-Oshinowo, were also reportedly attacked during separate campaign events.

Reacting to the incidents, the Director of Media and Publicity of the Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation, Bisi Oladele, described the attacks as “unwarranted” and “barbaric,” warning that political violence must not be allowed to return to the state.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Oladele called on Governor Seyi Makinde and the APM governorship candidate, Bimbo Adekanmbi, to rein in their supporters and ensure that political activities in the state were conducted peacefully.

He said, “The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation is at the least miffed by the unwarranted and barbaric attacks by Allied Peoples Movement hoodlums on Alhaja Tawakalitu Alli during a medical outreach she organised at Ibikunle House, Ayeye, Ibadan, on Wednesday.

“Sponsored hoodlums also attacked the APC candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, and the party’s candidate for Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West Federal Constituency, Hon. Folake Olunloyo-Oshinowo, during separate campaign events at Agbaje Market, Orita-Merin, and Idi-Arere, Ibadan.”

The organisation urged security agencies to investigate the incidents and bring anyone found culpable to book.

It further accused those behind the alleged attacks of attempting to create an atmosphere of fear ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that APC candidates would not be prevented from meeting with voters across the state.

Oladele said the right of political parties and candidates to campaign peacefully was guaranteed by law, adding that political differences should not become a justification for violence.

He said, “APC candidates and supporters in Oyo State will not surrender our inalienable rights to freely associate, gather and campaign within the ambits of the law. No amount of threats will deter the party from campaigning across Oyo State.”

The campaign organisation also appealed to the state government and political parties to focus on issue-based campaigns and allow voters to freely assess the programmes and candidates seeking their support.

It said, “The good people of Oyo State deserve issue-based campaigns, not violence. We advise Governor Makinde, Adekanmbi and other political parties to focus on presenting their programmes and policies to the electorate, not visiting violence on the people.”

The organisation maintained that the alleged attacks would not stop APC candidates from taking their campaigns to the people, urging political actors to place the peace and security of the state above their individual ambitions.

It also called on the security agencies to ensure that political campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections were conducted in an atmosphere free from intimidation and violence.

Politics

Alli hails Tinubu, Uzodimma over rescue of 20 Oyo corps members

Published

2 days ago

October 7, 2026

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Senator Sharafadeen Alli, the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Oyo State, has commended President Bola Tinubu, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, and security agencies over the rescue of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted in Imo State.

The prospective corps members, who were travelling from Oyo State to their NYSC orientation camps, regained their freedom on Wednesday, seven days after they were abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State. The police confirmed that the victims were rescued at Amakohia Ubi Village following sustained search-and-rescue operations.

Alli, in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Media and Publicity of his campaign organisation, Bisi Oladele, described the development as a welcome relief to the victims, their families and the people of Oyo State.

He said the successful rescue demonstrated the commitment of the Federal Government and security agencies to protecting the lives and property of Nigerians.

The APC candidate commended Tinubu and Uzodimma for their leadership, while praising the security agencies for what he described as their courage, professionalism and coordinated efforts in securing the release of the victims.

Alli said the development was particularly reassuring because the victims were young Nigerians on their way to commence the mandatory national service when they were abducted.

He, however, urged security agencies not to relent, calling for stronger intelligence gathering and closer inter-agency collaboration to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The senator also called for the perpetrators of the abduction to be identified and brought to justice, saying the successful rescue should be followed by efforts to ensure that those responsible face the law.

He appealed to members of the public to support security agencies by providing timely and useful information that could assist in preventing crime and protecting lives.

According to him, the safety of citizens cannot be left to security agencies alone, stressing that government and the public must work together to create a safer society.

Alli expressed sympathy with the victims and their families over the ordeal, praying for the speedy recovery of the rescued prospective corps members and emotional healing for their relatives following the traumatic experience.