The All Progressives Congress stakeholders in Oyo State have expressed readiness to wrest power from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in the state in the 2023 governorship election.
They gave their commitment at a meeting held at the Civic Centre, Ibadan, attended by Senator Teslim Folarin, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala represented by Chief Wale Ohu; Chief Akin Oke, Tolulope Akande-Shadipe, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, Saheed Akinade-Fijabi, Dr. Olusola Ayandele, Mr. Bimbo Adekanmbi, Dr. Fola Akinosun, Kehinde Subair, Segun Ajanaku, Prince Ayodeji Abass-Alesinloye, and Lowo Obisesan among others.
The stakeholders, who took turn to highlight events in the party over the years, expressed party’s readiness to unite as a formidable force to return to power in 2023.
Earlier in an address of welcome, Mojeed Olaoya, explained that the stakeholders meeting became pertinent in a bid to address salient issues on the party’s common interests.
A communique issued at the end of the meeting, signed on behalf of the Conveners and Communique Drafting Committee by Alhaji Adesina Alabi, read in parts, “Conveners posited that the meeting was the brainchild of some concerned members of Oyo APC who feel the need for progressive family members across the 11 local government areas of Ibadanland to channel a new course and mobilize for unity, harmony and cooperation with a view to repositioning the party.
“Conveners emphasised that the meeting was not at the instance of individual, group or bloc of aspirants or those seeking to hijack the party for selfish reasons. Moreso, efforts were made to reach out to all gladiators and prospective aspirants without any exception as they all pledged their support for the bold initiative.
“Conveners regretted the step taken by some faceless people to discredit the meeting through sponsored noise in the mass media which was aimed at discouraging genuine members/delegates from attending the meeting. However, stakeholders again appealed to those behind the futile call for boycott of the meeting to have a rethink and join others to rebuild Oyo APC if they were genuine in their claims as members of the party.
“Stakeholders at the meeting were, therefore, unanimous in their call for more commitment, team spirit and love for one another among party faithful as the 2023 general election beckons.
“At the meeting, it was reported that progressive elements from Ibarapa axis expressed their desire to be carried along in the efforts to reflect Ibadanland/Ibarapaland agenda for the APC.
“Stakeholders re-echoed the need for oneness and togetherness as this was considered very essential for the APC to bounce back and reclaim its lost glory and thus emerge stronger and more virile.
“Stakeholders welcomed briefing from the National Headquarters of the APC ahead of the forthcoming membership registration and revalidation exercise which the promised to accord all necessary support to ensure that a good population of existing and new members are captured in the exercise.
“Stakeholders lauded conveners for the efforts made towards strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols and expressed gratitude to eminent party leaders especially former governor, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, who was represented at the meeting by Chief Wale Ohu and also the State Caretaker Chairman, Chief Akin Oke.”
The meeting adjourned till future date to be announced to the general public.
