Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state have told candidates of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and those of other political parties in the forthcoming local government council election to be prepared for heavy defeat as it would not leave any stone unturned “to rescue the third tier of government from total collapse”.
The stakeholders which comprised some notable leaders, chieftains and members from across the 33 local government councils in the state spoke in similar terms at a meeting held yesterday at the Oke-Ado State Secretariat of the Oyo APC. The meeting was at the instance of the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and deliberations were centred on how APC candidates would emerge victorious in the poll slated for April 27, 2024.
In his opening address; the state secretary, Alhaji Tajudeen Olanite, who stood in for the Chairman, Barrister Isaac Omodewu, explained that the participation of Oyo APC in the council poll was a clear indication that the party was not ready to disappoint its members and the entire citizenry on matters relating to democracy, rule of law and good governance as it was prepared to change the narrative of the party in power writing results for its candidates to win all seats.
While delivering his speech; the party’s gubernatorial candidate in the 2019 general election and the current Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, charged all party faithful to do extra work for the success of APC chairmanship and councilorship candidates as he was determined to do. His words; “we are mindful of the fact it is not going to be an easy thing because local government poll is usually the most difficult especially for a party in opposition but with unity of purpose, commitment and dedication, we can do it.
“As an individual party member, I will do everything within my power to support all our candidates across the 33 LGAs and 351 Wards in the state. We shall begin to walk the talk from today by giving cash support to them. We are not even going to stop at that, we will reach out to other stakeholders in Abuja and elsewhere to mobilize them for the task at hand. I have also asked our supporters, who rejoined Oyo APC with us last December, to cooperate with the party handlers and the candidates of our party. If we are able to work together as a progressive family members, victory is sure anytime.
The former Deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) also used the opportunity to explain the cause of the challenges facing the power sector in the country and the measures being put in place by his Ministry to tackle the problem headlong. “Electricity is so important that no serious government can toy with that sector. The problems we are facing at the moment started about 60 years ago but we would not use that as an excuse. We are doing a lot and very soon, Nigerians will a cause to smile as power supply will become stable nationwide.” Adelabu added.
In his vote of thanks, Alh. Abu Gbadamosi who spoke on behalf of all party leaders who were present at the meeting, described Chief Adelabu’s decision to identify with the party and its candidates for the council poll as a morale booster coming at the right time. He then urged not to relent in working with others to move the party forward and also ensure that peace and harmony reign supreme with Oyo APC of the 2027 general election when it is hoped that the party would reclaim power in the state.
Party dignitaries who graced the meeting included; Engr. Dayo Lawal, Alh. Mufutau Adisa (Gbayawu), Alh. Kamorudeen Ajisafe, Chief Francis Babalola, Chief C. A Ajibade, Alh. Bello Oladeji (BAO), Hon. Adeyemi Adekola, Hon. Mojeed Olaoya, Alhaja Tinuade Adigun, Hon. Joshua Oyebamiji, Hon. Tunde Oloyede, Alhaji Isiaka Alimi, Prince Ayodeji Abass-Alesinloye, Alh. Wale Sanusi among others.
