Tag: APC

…seeks unity of members ahead of poll

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has inaugurated its Campaign Council and other strategic committees in preparation for the August 16, 2025, bye-election in the Ibadan North Federal Constituency.

The Campaign Council is headed by Hon. Akin Alabi as Director General, with Balogun Gaphar Ojetola serving as Deputy Director General, and Dr. Olaitan Victor as Secretary.

Other committees inaugurated include Reconciliation, Security and Protocol, Internal Affairs, Media, Publicity and Strategy, Legal Affairs, Contact and Mobilisation, and Election Management, among others—all geared toward ensuring the party’s victory at the polls.

The bye-election became necessary following the death of Hon. Olaide Akinremi, fondly called ‘Jagaban’, who represented the federal constituency until his passing. The APC has since presented Hon. Adewale Olatunji, popularly known as ‘Murphy’, as its candidate.

Speaking during the inauguration, the party chairman in Oyo State, Alhaji Olayide Abass, said the campaign structure was set up to ensure the APC’s resounding success in the bye-election.

He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Akinremi, describing his death as a painful blow to the party. However, he noted that the late lawmaker left a legacy of exceptional service and impact on the lives of his constituents.

“Since 1999, only representatives from progressive parties—AD, ACN, and now APC—have made the people of Ibadan North proud,” Abass said. “The PDP’s era between 2003 and 2011 produced poor performers, and we must not allow such regression to return.”

He called on party faithful and voters to mobilise en masse on August 16 to ensure the continuation of developmental strides in the constituency, vowing that the APC will not leave room for political “hawks” to derail the progress achieved so far.

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“As a result of this, the Constituency should not be allowed to slip into the hands of charlatans and impostors who take undue advantage of the people.

“While I am using this opportunity to call for unity of purpose among party stakeholders on account of this Project, I would like to mention the value which all aspirants from Ibadan North Federal Constituency have added to the cause of democracy and betterment of our Party in the last year.

“Now, the Hon. Akin Alabi-led Campaign Council is being inaugurated here today with a mandate to mobilise all necessary support for our Party and its candidate, Hon. Adewale Haastrup Olatunji (Murphy), before and during the poll on August 16, 2025.

“This Campaign Council and its affiliated Committees are made up of eminent Party stalwarts, seasoned politicians and dynamic administrators who understand the nature of the assignment at hand, and we have no doubts in our minds that the task will be accomplished.

“We cannot afford to fail President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC, as well as the good people of the state who look unto us for liberation from wasteful and incompetent people in government. Let us leave no stone unturned as we have our eyes on the ball.”

In his acceptance speech, the Campaign DG, Hon. Akin Alabi, sought unity of party members, saying all members of the party must work together towards the victory of the party.

Alabi, who was represented by his Deputy, Gafar Ojetola, said Ibadan North is very strategic considering its importance to the Oyo State election and who the governor of the state becomes.

He, however, urged aggrieved aspirants to work with the party so that the APC candidate can come out victorious at the polls.

One of the aspirants, Adeyemo Monsuru Tunde, urged the party not to see other aspirants as enemies, but rather as brothers, so that the party can work in unity for its victory.

Chieftain of All Progressive Congress and Enugu North senatorial candidate in 2023, Simon Eze, has said there is no vacancy in Aso Rock in 2027.

He said President Bola Tinubu’s administration has done well, adding he deserves a second term to consolidate his achievements.

Eze told reporters in Abuja: “My opinion is that the presidential election will come, but for us in All Progressive Congress, and, of course, our performing President, there is no vacancy in Aso Rock in 2027.

“He is the only candidate we have for now, and I’m sure the party will still nominate him for 2027 presidential election. I believe he has done so much for the country that most Nigerians will vote for him for a second term. He has done well in just a little more than two years in his first term.”

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The retired diplomat said the hardship was a result of what he inherited in the economy, insecurity, and others.

He said the removal of fuel subsidy was necessary to save the country from the fraud that had characterised the scheme.

“Recall also that  former President Buhari did not even make provision for subsidy beyond May 2023. So, in June, it had gone, even without his pronouncing it. So, the bold statement he made on the day he was sworn in that fuel subsidy is gone was a courageous one and, of course, a good omen for the country. Today, you can see the impact of that removal everywhere you go. Again, there are a lot of programmes aimed at restructuring the country.

“We need fiscal federalism to develop and become as great as we desire. What people don’t know about development in a country is that it doesn’t come without pain, just like childbirth; it will be painful, but after that comes the joy. Even plants you put on the ground will die first before they produce fruits. That was why Jesus said until a grain dies, it remains a single grain, but when it dies, it yields a rich harvest.

“The process of death brings pain, but it is a gateway to abundance, prosperity, stability, development, and happiness. The President is not unaware of this. Nigerians know that things are difficult.”

He added that the government was on top of the situation, making every effort to see that it improves.