Politics
Oyo guber hopeful, Olaniyan gets commendation from Apc lawmakers
Governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Engr. Raufu Olaniyan on Monday received commendation from the All Progressives Congress, APC Parliamentary caucus of the State House of Assembly.
The commendation came when he visited the parliamentarians to inform them of his desire to contest the 2019 governorship election in state.
Hon. Segun Ajanaku, representing Ibadan South West State Constituency II chaired the meeting where he was warmly received at the parliamentarian caucus.
Some of the lawmakers described the ex Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency, (OYSTROMA) boss as a gentleman who God has endowed with humility, noting that while he was in the civil service he performed his duties creditably, this they affirmed is a pointer to his capacity to excel if he has the opportunity to serve in a higher office.
The All Progressive Caucus members also added that Olaniyan has a good name, the prerequisite experience and pedigree to govern a state like Oyo, having worked in the state civil service for over 26 years and retired as a permanent secretary, without an iota of infringement against the rules, codes and regulations of the state civil service commission, despite holding very sensitive positions, an achievement the legislators found very commendable.
Also, a parliamentarian who spoke at the meeting said, ” I don’t know Engr. Olaniyan, but I have heard good things about him, there are people from Oke Ogun, who seem to have reputation, but they amount to nothing. Engr. Olaniyan has had opportunity in the past to serve the people and he used it well”.
Speaking further, he also described the gubernatorial hopeful as a very humble man who is a specialist in his chosen career. The caucus members also lauded the aspirant for having former Oyo State House of Assembly members in his entourage, a testament to the cordial relationship that has existed over the years between him and the state assembly.
Olaniyan, earlier in his remarks, had thanked the caucus members for the warm reception, just as he informed them of his desire to contest the 2019 gubernatorial election in the state. He noted that he considered the house members as very cardinal in the present democratic dispensation hence his decision to seek their support towards the actualisation of his guber ambition.
The APC guber hopeful added that he is not seeking to be governor of Oyo state, because he is from Oke Ogun, but he is seeking to serve the state because he is qualified and suitable to hold the office.
He remarked that he has always had cordial relationship with the Oyo State House of Assembly and he hopes that he will at this time benefit from the fruits of the healthy relationship that has existed over the years.
In a related development, he noted that, within the short period he joined the party he has done quite a few things to uplift the APC not just in Orelope local government, but the state in general.
The retired Permanent Secretary also shared some of his plans with the lawmakers tailored towards moving the state to an enviable height if elected into office.
Amongst those who accompanied the gubernatorial hopeful included former Oyo State House of Assembly members Hon. Najeem Omirinde, Hon. Olufemi Josiah, APC Chairman in Orelope local government, Alhaji Wahabi Alade, , Ward Chairmen and Youth leaders from various local governments in Ibadan.
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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