2027: Why The President and APC National Must Compliment Oyo APC Peace Advocates’ Efforts | Sola Abegunde

Things didn’t go totally well for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State in 2023.

While the party posted one of the finest results during the presidential and the National Assembly elections, giving President Tinubu one of the widest margins of victory, winning the three senatorial seats and recording victory in nine out of the fourteen seats in the House of Representatives, the party lost the gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections in dramatic but unfortunate circumstances.

No doubts, Oyo APC lost the gubernatorial election as a result of divisions within its ranks.

You can not discuss the circumstances under which the party lost the gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections, however, without conceding to the fact that external influences also played a part.

The loss of the gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections and the seeming neglect of the chore and mainstream members of the party in federal appointments have continued to have negative consequences on the morale of party faithful in Oyo State.

However, the resilience of APC faithful in Oyo State is unbelievable and praiseworthy.

Despite the non-encouraging atmosphere, you still have to give credit to some leaders, stakeholders, executives and members of the party.

It is a surprise that Oyo APC was still able to organise itself to challenge Governor Makinde’s PDP during the last local government election, and had it been that the election was free and fair, the press and the people of Oyo State knew that Oyo APC would have been victorious in more than half of the 33 local governments of Oyo State.

May God continue to rest the soul of the late Oyo APC State Chairman, Isaac Omodewu, in peace.

In another demonstration of resilience and commitment, leaders, stakeholders, party executives and members also gave the late chairman a befitting burial.

These things were not easy, most especially when things were not as they should.

The coming on board of the new Chairman, Alhaji Olayide Abass, who actually started out in an acting capacity but has now been confirmed as substantive state Chairman, was another positive turning point. He is a man with a pedigree of integrity and untainted virtues.

As God would have it, his coming on board coincided with the emergence of a group of party stakeholders who had, shortly before his appointment, taken it upon themselves to ensure that Oyo APC came together, united, cohesive and ready for the challenges of 2027.

This group of party stakeholders are known as the Oyo APC Peace Advocates.

This group was convoked by two great party leaders, Chief Wale Ohu and Prince Niran Adeyoju (SDM).

The two of them got across to other eminent personalities who are also leaders and stakeholders within the party to come together as an advocacy group. They include Rt. Hon. Dr Akin Onigbinde SAN, Prince Gbade Lana, Hon. Dr Mrs Peju Esan, Hon. Bimbo Kolade, Hon. Amzat Ogunsola, Alhaji Raji Rasak, Engr. Wale Adeoye, Alhaji Adebayo Aruna, and Hon. Bolaji Repete.

The aim and objective of the group are strictly to seek and ensure peace, harmony and cohesion within the Oyo APC that can secure victory at all times.

To this end, the Group commenced mediations, advocation, fence mending and orientation efforts within personalities and hierarchies of the Party.

Not only that, they have met with the Oyo State executives of the APC, led by Alhaji Olayide Abass.

They have met with extended executives of Oyo APC, comprising the state executives and the 33 party chairmen. They met with the APC State Elders Advisory Council. They’ve had a one-on’-one with almost all elected or appointed office holders, critical stakeholders and soaring gladiators within the party.

They are scheduled to commence zonal visitations across the state to sensitise party faithful and are also planning to hold a stakeholders peace summit at the state level.

The efforts of this group are a timely tonic which has been re-energising party faithful.

Not only that, respect and mutual trust are being re-established amongst party stakeholders.

One must give kudos to Alhaji Olayide Abass, also, for his unwavering support and commitments to peace and harmony within the Oyo APC as being canvassed by the Oyo APC Peace Advocates.

Like I said in the beginning of this write-up, the fate that befell Oyo APC in 2023 had a vestige of external influences.

If the President and the national headquarters of the APC throw their weights behind the efforts of the Oyo APC Peace Advocates, 2027 is a done deal for President Tinubu and all APC candidates.

With due respect, Oyo APC does not require the assistance of any opposition governor to deliver maximally.

All we want is for the President and the Party to trust our leaders and support them to succeed in their efforts to strengthen the Party.

If this is done, Oyo APC will deliver without stress.

SOLA ABEGUNDE.