Former Oyo APC Chairman Akin Oke Calls for Party Unity Ahead of 2027 Elections

A prominent chieftain and former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Akin Oke, has issued a fervent appeal to party leaders and members to set aside internal grievances and foster a united front in preparation for the 2027 governorship election. The call was made during the Renewed Hope Ambassadors' Unity Rally, a strategic political gathering held at the Ogbomoso Town Hall in the Ogbomoso North Local Government Area. The event, which drew a large crowd of party faithfuls, served as a platform for critical stakeholders to discuss the future trajectory of the party in the state.

Addressing the gathering, the former chairman emphasized that the time has come for the APC to reclaim its position as the ruling party in Oyo State. He noted that the opposition status the party has held for eight years is sufficient motivation for members to close ranks. According to him, the primary objective must be to dislodge the incumbent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration, which defeated the APC in both the 2019 and 2023 electoral cycles. He stressed that achieving this goal requires a cohesive strategy and the total elimination of the factionalism that has previously plagued the party’s efforts.

The rally was specifically targeted at the five local government areas that constitute the Ogbomoso zone: Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South, Oriire, Ogo-Oluwa, and Surulere. This region is considered a vital battleground for the party, and the turnout of leaders from these areas underscored the significance of the meeting. In his keynote address, a former Senate Leader and the party’s 2023 governorship candidate, Teslim Folarin, charged members to aggressively propagate the "Renewed Hope Agenda" at the grassroots level. He framed the mission as a demonstration of the party's readiness to align the state with federal policies and ensure that the benefits of the central government reach every corner of Oyo.

Adding his voice to the call for unity, the current state Chairman of the APC, Olayide Abass, commended the resilience and loyalty of the party members in the region. He described their commitment as the bedrock upon which the party’s revival strategy is being built. Abass urged the stakeholders to remain focused on the task of expanding the party’s grassroots structures, noting that a strong base is essential for any successful electoral challenge. His remarks highlighted the organizational strength of the party in the zone and the need to leverage it for broader state-wide gains.

Segun Odebunmi, a party chieftain and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority, reassured the gathering that Ogbomoso remains a stronghold for the APC. In his welcome address, he announced that intensive mobilization efforts had already commenced to consolidate the party's dominance in the area. He pledged that the zone would deliver massive support for the party in the upcoming elections, asserting that the stakeholders are solidly behind the President and his national agenda.

Also speaking at the event was Florence Ajimobi, the former First Lady of Oyo State and an Ambassador-designate. She echoed the sentiments of unity and peace, describing the APC as the only formidable political force capable of steering the state towards prosperity. She assured the attendees that the current atmosphere of reconciliation would be sustained, as key stakeholders have reached a consensus to work together. Her presence and words served to reinforce the message that the party hierarchy is aligned in its mission to return to the Agodi Government House.

The event was attended by a galaxy of political heavyweights, signaling a high level of seriousness within the party ranks. Dignitaries present included the Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu; the Senator representing Oyo Central, Yunus Akintunde; and several other serving and former legislators. The convergence of such diverse figures, some of whom have historically held divergent views, was presented as a tangible sign that the party is serious about its unity project.

In his concluding remarks, Akin Oke reiterated his passionate plea for cooperation. He warned that internal divisions are the greatest threat to the party’s ambition and that only a united APC can effectively challenge the ruling party. He implored all members to prioritize the collective interest over personal ambitions, reminding them that the ultimate prize is the governance of the state for the benefit of the people. The rally ended with a renewed sense of purpose among the attendees, setting the stage for what promises to be an intense political season leading up to 2027.