It was plump, drums and fanfare all through on Tuesday as loyalists of Engr. Rauf Olaniyan moved from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and declared formally for the All Peoples’ Congress (APC) in Igboho, Oorelope Local Government of Oyo State.
The event which took place at the Baptist High School, Oke-Afin, venue of the party’s general meeting, was symbolic and endearing as party faithfuls trouped out in their numbers to express their joy and willingness to vote all APC candidates in the 2023 general election in order to consolidate the success recorded by the party at the centre and to ensure that people enjoy dividends of democracy in the state.
The leader of the group, Comrade Adesola Yaqub Tasoolo, a former Caretaker Chairman of Oorelope Local Government and other decampees who expressed their joy on the development described it as long overdue considering their ordeal in over three years of Governor Seyi Makinde led administration.
They commended their leader, the earstwhile deputy governor, for his maturity, doggedness and foresight. They passed votes of confidence on him and re-echoed their loyalty and allegiance to his leadership, with a loud unanimous resolve to go with him wherever he leads them and they pledged to work hard for the party to ensure electoral victory for all its flagbearers at all levels in 2023.
They were received by the APC chairman in Oorelope Local Government, Hon. Soliu Maja and his EXCO members alongside leaders, women and youths of the party. The chairman could not hide his joy as he thanked Engr. Rauf Olaniyan and the Distinguished Senator Teslim Folarin for their tireless efforts in the party at all levels. He told the large crowd that he was particularly delighted by the caliber of highly experienced politicians with which he has to work with moving forward.
He described Alhaji Mudathir Somope, a founding member of the PDP and the chairman of the party in the Local Government for years, as a highly respected leader and a master strategist and he assured them of a smooth and hitch-free working relationship, while working hard to kick out the tiny remains of PDP in the Local Government and Oyo State in general.
In attendance to grace the occasion were several pollical leaders and associates amongst who are, Hon. Moshood Tiamiyu Ajana, APC chairman Irepo LG, Hon. Azeez Bonuola, former Commissioner for Special Duties, Alhaji Musbau Popoola, former caretaker chairman, Irepo LG, Hon. Ganiyu Ayesoro, former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Fadairo, former chairman Irepo LG, Hon. Oyinwola, former chairman Irepo LG, Hon. Razak Okoka, Dr. Tajudeen Badmus, Alhaji Tajudeen Adeleke (Continental) former caretaker chairman, Wewe LCDA, Saki.
Others were Dr. Mudasiru Raji, former caretaker chairman, ATISBO LG, Hon. Tiamiyu Alarape, former chairman Saki-West LG, Alhaji Yekini Oloya, leader Saki-West, Hon. Salifu Balogun, Hon. Olanrewaju Razak (Igbope), Alhaji Mutalib Sakibu, Hon. Asiru Alimi (Asibaba), former chairman, Oorelope LG, Alhaji Azeez Olaniyan, Mrs. Simbiat Shittu Elemosho, Hon. Bello Azeez (Belaz), former chairman Olorunsogo LG, Igbeti, Hon. Sikiru Ibrahim, APC chairman Olorunsogo LG, Hon. Idiapa, leader Olorunsogo LG, Mrs. Azeez Rukayat, former APC women leader, Olorunsogo LG, Hon. Lord Balogun, former chairman, Oorelope LG, Hon. Sefiu Gbadamosi, Abdulsalam Deji Mohammed Esq, the Oyo State APC Legal Adviser and several others numerous to be mentioned.
