Politics
We ‘re proud of Ajimobi, even in death, says Oyo APC
As family members, friends and political associates mark the first anniversary of the death of the immediate past governor of Oyo state, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state has reiterated that the memory and legacy of the late political leader would remain indelible in the hearts of the people of the society who value quality leadership, good governance and rare virtues in man.
The news of Sen. Ajimobi came on June 25, 2019 following reported complications arising from Covid-19 infection. The Aare of Ibadanland, who was the first person to have governed Oyo state for an unprecedented two terms as a civilian, died at the age of 70 years. At the time of his death, he was the Deputy National Chairman (South) of the APC.
In a statement issued by Olawale Sadare, the Special Assistant (Media) to the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Oyo APC, Chief Akin Oke, the party described the last one year as challenging “in view of the absence of Sen. Ajimobi who had emerged as the pillar and rallying point of the APC not only in the South West but across Nigeria and even beyond.
“Our late Leader (Sen. Ajimobi) used the 8 year period of his reign as the Executive Governor of the Pacesetter state to improve on the legacy of purposeful governance and decent politicking which he inherited from Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Bola Ige and Alhaji Lam Adesina. He did not only pick up the legacy as he polished and repositioned it for the benefit of present and forthcoming generations.
“With feelers from the society which favour the late former governor as possessing the magic wand of good governance and developmental politics unlike what is being experienced at the moment, we have no doubt in our minds that he would find peace with his creator.
“People talk about the lasting peace and development he brought into the lives of the people of Oyo state and how he was able to record many other unprecedented giant strides despite the numerous challenges which came his way while in office.
“Today, as always, we make bold to celebrate him and also express our profound gratitude to all well meaning people who stood by his immediate family and our dear party in the last one year or thereabout. As a matter of fact, it is our resolve in APC that the legacy left behind by late Ajimobi, and other quintessential leaders from the Progressive camp who had come before him, would be preserved and nurtured for the present and coming generation of leaders to inherit”, the statement said.
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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