KAZEEM AWOJOODU

– The former Chairman of Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) Professor Adeolu Akande has called for unity among members of All Progressive Congress (APC) Oyo State chapter, just as he stressed that it will be very difficult for the party to return to power at the state level without peace and unity.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the Adelabu’s consultation stakeholders meeting in Iseyin town hall on Saturday, Akande said without peace the goal of the party which is to return to power at the forthcoming 2027 general elections will not be achieved.

Also in his remarks, the former commissioner for work, Alhaji Oladimeji Dauda popularly known as Azuzu, said unity is very important at a time like this when the party is working to return to power.

He maintained that Oke-Ogun leaders will support whoever emerge as the party’s flagbearer at the primary.

In his address, the Minister of powers, Chief Adebayo Adelabu said “there is no party like Progressive party in Nigeria today.

He further noted that APC is the only party that can give Nigeria genuine democracy.

He said, “The purpose of my coming here today is to officially inform you of my gubernatorial ambition.

“I have been hearing the rumour that the people of Oke Ogun are calling for their turn to be the governor of this state, I must be sincere, there must be fairness in power rotation, Ibadan is not the only city in Oyo state, We have five geo political zones in the state, and we must all come to a roundtable to discuss about the rotational system that will give room for such system where all the political zones will provide candidate that will govern the state. So I’m not against this, I’m very open for this kind of discussion but I think what is crucial now is how to return to power come 2027.

“I will urge us to first let us work together and return to power before we can now talk about the rotational seat of power, so I urge us all to support whoever emerge as the party flagbearer in the forthcoming primary.

“I want to also clear the rumour that some people have been saying that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has endorsed me as the sole candidate of APC in Oyo state, there is nothing like that, I’m not afraid of competition, and we must all embrace and support the right person to emerge.Our leaders have a lot to do in this regard, we must start considering working for whoever we know it’s worthy for the race. I’m here for consultation and not campaign, because we have not start campaigning for elections now.

“There are lot things we will do to improve the economy prosperity of this zone, we will invite Chinese investors that will construct light rail project that will connect Oke Ogun zones to the main rail terminal in Moniya, Ibadan and from there we are already connected to the world. Oke Ogun is known for agririan potential, we will harness potential for economic prosperity. This is consultation tour to inform you about my governorship ambition and I’m 95% sure that I will contest but the remaining 5% is your support, we must ensure we return to power in 2027.

“Unity will give us progress, and I can see that the peace has returned back to our party with what I’m seeing here, and this showed that it’s high time for us to return to power, the party is supreme, the party must be in unity, the party is supreme than any individuals, if we have all Senate in this state, and all federal representative without having the governor that means we are not in power.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the Oke Ogun University this showed that he has the interest of Oke Ogun people at heart, and this being done without having the governor that can fight for our interest at the federal level because the current governor is not from the rulling party which is our party, so we can imagine if we produce the next governor, that means we will have power at the top and at the middle, this will fast track development in our state.” Adelabu said.

Adelabu also met with stakeholders across Ibadan lesser city comprising, Egbeda, Ona – Ara, Lagelu, Akinyele, Oluyole and Ido local governments.

Stakeholders at the meeting include the former Deputy Governor, Iyiola Oladokun, Hon Kola Olabiyi, former SSA to late Governor Abiola Ajimobi on Political Matters, Hon Dele Akinleye, Pa Goke Oyetunji, Surveyor Ola Shiyanbola, Hon Adisa Adeniji, Hon Supo Olayode, Elder Adesokan, Reverend Bayo Olayode, Chief Goke Oyetunji, Hon. Rasaki Arikewuyo, Mr Aderohunmu Timothy, Chief Jimoh Oyekunle, Alhaji Osuolale Awoleye, Mr Onaolapo Oladokun, Pa Ariori Micheal, Alhaji Abu Gbadamosi, Alhaji Isiaka Salami, Alhaji Elegbde Muniru, Hon Musibau Azeez.

Others are, Hon Bisi Ige, Hon Dele Akinleye, Alhaji Oladomeji Dauda popularly known as Azuzu, Alhaji Bolaji Kareem, Alhaji Shaeed Adejare Yusuf Alaran, Alhaji Egbedokun Adepoju, Pa Layi Omokunmi, Baba Omoyele. Hon Sakiru Fagunwa, Hon Yomi Abolaji, Hon Okediran Biyi, Hon Soji Ojoawo, Hon Ibrahim Abeeb among others.

On the entourage of Chief Adelabu are, Alhaji Alimi Isiaka, Alhaji Wale Sanusi, Alhaji Rahufu Abolade Bello, Hon Olu Abiola, Hon Abass Alesinloye, Hon Gbenga Olayemi, Hon Kola Amoo Mazelo, Hon Taiwo Ige, among others.