Professor Adeolu Akande, an aspirant for Oyo North Senatorial District said no single individual or group holds absolute control of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the state, describing the party as a collection of “political gladiators” currently working to reposition it ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Akande made the remarks while speaking on the state of the party and ongoing consultations among stakeholders in a chat with journalists last Friday.
“If you noticed what has been happening in Oyo APC, Oyo APC is a party of so many gladiators and then you see everybody being involved in the attempt to position the party to win the 2027 election,” he said.
He acknowledged the relevance of the Ajimobi political family within the party’s structure but stressed that the APC has moved beyond being dominated by one bloc.
“The Ajimobis are also important in the scheme of things in the party but I do not think that an individual or a group is in absolute control of APC in Oyo State. That’s what the party has moved away from. The party has moved away from that, it’s a collection of political gladiators from all parts of the state,” Akande stated.
The former Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission noted that the intensity of political engagement by Oyo APC stakeholders is evident, pointing to the frequency of visits to President Bola Tinubu.
“I’m not sure that there’s any state that has witnessed so many gladiators visiting the President as much as Oyo State. What that tells you is that there are so many gladiators,” he added.
According to him, efforts to reposition the party ahead of 2027 have triggered consultations across multiple levels, involving both prominent and less visible actors within the party.
“So when you are talking about how do you reposition the party, consultations are going on at several levels involving so many gladiators both seen and unseen. Definitely it’s not a praise of any individual. I relate very well with the Ajimobi family,” Akande said.
Thr former Chairman of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), also spoke on some of his achievements, particularly in facilitating appointments and employment opportunities.
He said: “When I had the opportunity, I facilitated the appointment of people from Oyo State into 22 federal boards. That is the highest I have ever heard, and I have not seen anyone else make such a claim.
“I will provide the list and documentation of my stewardship, including the 22 federal board appointments. I also facilitated employment opportunities for youths in 21 federal institutions.”
