Politics
Oyo: ‘Wolekanle’ finally breaks silence, dumps APC for PDP
The immediate past Secretary of Ogbomoso North Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mr. Akinwale Akinwole has finally confirmed his readiness to dump the All Progressives Congress, APC, for Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the state.
This cleared the rumours going round the state about his stance to defect to the Peoples Democratic party (PDP).
Akinwole who is the Proprietor of Ogbomoso United Football Club, while confirming the development on Wednessday said,” Yes, ‘I am leaving APC for PDP very soon, saying the formal declaration will come up in Ogbomoso, his hometown.
He informed that his decision to defect to the PDP in spite of the tremendous roles he has actively and conspicuously played during the 2019 election for the then ruling party was borne out of Governor Seyi Makinde’s performance.
According to him, “Governor Seyi Makinde’s performance and magic touch turning Oyo State to cynosure of all eyes within the little stint of times, is a motivating factor, his plethora of achievements and quality style of governance is another sterling guality that really spurred him, saying those things are the genuine reasons why he made up his mind to join his party with a view to complementing his efforts in making Oyo state a better place worthy of living for both the people of Oyo state and the people across the federation.
Wolekanle as he is fondly called appreciated the All Progressives Congress, APC, for the the little opportunity bestowed on him to serve the party meritoriously and without any form of deformityg during his brief stint.
He therefore enjoined those left behind in the party not waste time in joining Governor Makinde in his effort towards taking the state to the promised Land.
Asked if he is being pushed by his House of Representatives’ ambition in 2023 general election, Wolekanle said, ” though he has ambition to contribute his quotas to the development of Ogbomoso in general, saying that the decision was taken after a due consultations across the board and popular demand by his teeming followers to move into PDP
” My interest is to serve my people people with the utmost interest in moving my country home cum Oyo State to the expected height, our people deseves better representation and because Governor Seyi Makinde is doing actively and positively well, if l am priviledged to serve, l will definitely add value to his records of achievement and thus complement his efforts in taking Oyo state to a greater to the Eldorado.
“Before l venture into the mainstream of Nigerian politics l have been assisting both the privileged and the less–priviledged people in my own little way, saying that he is strongly believed that if he is involved in politics, he has no doubt in his mind that he would do more to make people laughs and enjoy the dividends of democracy.
Part of his contributions to his community includes financial supports to the less priviledged, artisans and traders, scholarship awards and educational succour to the brilliant and indigent students in tertiary institutions as well as annual JAMB coaching and procurement of JAMB forms to secondary schiol leaving students.
Mr Akinwale, a graduate of Lagos State University is the chief Convener, Ogbomoso Ajilete Carnival, an anunual sociol- cultural event that aims at promoting unity among the youths in Ogbomoso and the football club to encourage the younger ones, discover and build talents.
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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