Politics
Oyo Central 2023: Happy Time For AFIJIO, Oyo East APC As Yunus Akintunde Visits, Donates N4m
As the race for the emergence of the candidates of the political parties for the 2023 general election gathers momentum, a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Yunus Akintunde on Wednesday began consultations with relevant stakeholders with a view to actualising his dream to represent Oyo Central Senatorial district in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly in Abuja.
Akintunde, a former works and transport commissioner under the administration of late former governor Abiola Ajimobi visited members of the APC in Afijio and Oyo East local government areas to brief chieftains, leaders and members of the party at the grassroots about his ambition.
Received by the tumultuous party faithful and leaders amid pomp and pageantry, the Oyo-born politician said he possessed all that required to represent the people, assuring that APC stood a good chance in the 2023 elections if he emerged its candidate for Oyo Central senatorial district.
“This is just to inform you of my decision to contest the 2023 senatorial election in Oyo Central. I feel that, over the years, you have been supportive of me in whatever capacity I have found myself and thus, the need to tell you about my motive.
“Though it is not yet time for open campaigns and real politicking, I will soon unveil my comprehensive manifesto which, I believe, would meet the expectations of all and sundry. I am grateful for all your support over the years. I will be moving to other local government areas in the senatorial district from here. I seek your support, encouragement and prayers as we move around,” he added.
The atmosphere was thrown into wild jubilation when he announced a donation of N2,000,000 each to support the party in the two LGAs.
According to him, the support is just to assist the party carry out certain tasks.
“We are not in power at the state level. As someone who is conversant with party administration, I know party Excos and members are financially incapacitated. That is why I have brought this little token as a form of support,” he explained.
Party leaders and members in the two council areas showered praises on the politician, advising him not to relent in his efforts to represents the senatorial district.
In AFIJIO LGA, Chief Owolabi, Owoblo, a former chairman in the local government, applauded Akintunde and prayed for him.
A former commissioner, Chief (Mrs) Kemi Jayeoba, was full of songs of praises to God, commending Akintunde for bringing succour to humanity.
In Oyo East LGA, Alhaji Adeoye, who spoke on behalf of the elders, prayed for the senatorial hopeful, saying that Akintunde, under his tutelage, has shown leadership and humanitarian traits from childhood.
Only last week, Akintunde provided food items to close to 5,000 individuals as Ramadan gifts. That was after bags of rice as well as cash support were sent to party leaders, members, traditional rulers and stakeholders in the 118 wards in the senatorial district.
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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