The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening party unity and rebuilding its political structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at an enlarged stakeholders’ meeting of the state chapter, the Oyo State Ambassador for Renewed Hope, Senator Teslim Kolawole Folarin, declared that the party’s primary objective is to consolidate on its 2023 presidential performance by securing at least a 35 per cent increase in votes for President Tinubu in 2027.
Senator Folarin stressed that unity remains the foundation of any meaningful political progress.
“No political strategy, no matter how brilliant, can succeed in an atmosphere of division. Our foremost responsibility is unity. The ‘One APC, One Tinubu Project’ must be our guiding principle,” he said.
Folarin emphasised that the Renewed Hope agenda, in line with the President’s expectations, demands harmony, collaboration and coordinated mobilisation across all levels of the party.
According to him, Oyo State will not only align with the national direction but will also set a benchmark for political organisation and teamwork.
The former Senate Leader further underscored the need to rebuild and revitalise APC structures across the state, including the state executive, the 33 local government chapters, the 351 wards and all polling units.
“Our grassroots structures must be vibrant, functional and connected to the people. Every ward, every unit and every community must feel the presence and impact of the APC. This is how we consolidate our gains and deliver an even more convincing victory for President Tinubu in the next election,” he added.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Senator Folarin revealed that party members had resolved their internal differences and agreed to disseminate the message of reconciliation across the grassroots.
He affirmed that the Oyo APC is fully prepared to ensure the President’s re-election in 2027.
Also addressing the gathering, the Minister of Power and governorship hopeful, Chief Bayo Adelabu, described the meeting as the largest APC stakeholders’ assembly since the 2023 elections. He expressed delight that peace had returned to the party.
“We are now speaking with one voice. There is no faction, no division within the Oyo State APC. There is now cordial and peaceful interaction among our leaders, executives and stakeholders. Unity, cooperation, partnership and collaboration have fully returned, and the party is stronger than ever,” he said.
Adelabu noted that reconciliation within the party is already 90 per cent complete and urged the remaining aggrieved members to emulate the leaders who have embraced peace.
“If elections were held tomorrow, it would be a landslide victory for Oyo APC.”
“We have unanimously adopted President Bola Tinubu as our sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election, and the resolution was embraced by all,” he added.
In their separate remarks, Senator Ayoade Adeseun and the Senator representing Oyo North, Senator Fatai Buhari, called on party members to close ranks and work in unity to secure victory in 2027.
They urged aggrieved members to put differences aside in the interest of reclaiming the state and ensuring President Tinubu’s re-election.
The two leaders expressed optimism that the large turnout at the meeting signalled significant progress in reconciliation efforts and that the challenges facing the party would soon be resolved.
Former Oyo APC Chairman, Chief Akin Oke, also expressed confidence that peace had genuinely returned to the party.
He commended the renewed spirit of cooperation, describing it as a symbol of unity and inclusiveness.
Similarly, the Member representing Ido/Ibarapa East Federal Constituency, Hon. Remi Oseni, said the meeting was convened in line with President Tinubu’s reconciliation initiative aimed at repositioning the party for victory in 2027.
“The outcome of this meeting has shown that many of us must return to our constituencies to enlighten our members that the party has resolved to work together in unity.
“If this continues, the 2027 elections will be a walkover,” he said, urging party supporters to fully align themselves with the decisions taken.
Present at the meeting includeSenator Yunus Akintunde, member of House of Representatives, Hon. Akeem Adeyemi, lawmaker representing Egbeda/Ona-Ara federal constituency, Hon. Akin Alabi, lawmaker representing Oluyole Federal Constituency, Hon. Tolulope Shadipe, and Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala
Others are: Former Deputy Governor in the state, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, Former Chairman of Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), Prof. Adeolu Akande, former Secretary to the State Government, Chief Lekan Alli, and former Chief of Staff to former governor Abiola Ajimobi, Prof. Gbade Ojo.
Also in attendance were former Minister of Communication, Barr. Adebayo Shittu, Chief Lowo Obisesan, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, Chief Waheed Ajisafe, and Sen. Hosea Agboola among others.
