Close Ranks to Reclaim Oyo in 2027 – Tinubu Urges APC Members

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged chieftains and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State to unite and work together to reclaim the state in the 2027 elections.

He emphasized that Oyo State is too significant to be left out of the progressive fold.

Tinubu made these remarks through the Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, who represented him during the inaugural Lam Adesina annual lecture held in Ibadan, the state capital, on Monday.

The event was attended by several notable figures, including former governors of Ekiti State, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo and Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Senator Teslim Folarin, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, Chief Iyiola Oladokun, Chief Alake Adeyemo, and the APC Chairman in Oyo State, Alhaji Olayide Abas.

Other notable attendees at the event included the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Apostle Sunday Popoola, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin, Barrister Bayo Shittu, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan, Elder Wole Oyelese, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, Senator Adesoji Akanbi, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, Chief Akin Oke, and Professor Adeolu Akande.

Adesina was the governor of the state between May 1999 and May 2003.

The APC lost Oyo State to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in both the 2019 and 2023 general elections. The minister emphasized that the most fitting way to honor the late former governor is for the party leaders to unite and work together towards reclaiming the state in the upcoming elections.

He said, “Lam Adesina stood for high democratic ideals that underpin the democratic system of government. Ideals that are essential for ensuring that power is held by the people, either directly or through elected representatives.

“Ideals of effective participation in governance with citizens making their views known on policy decisions.

“Consequently, to honour his memory, the Progressives in Oyo State must come together as one. You all must fight the fight and win the battle. Come 2027, Oyo State must return to the progressive fold.”