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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
As political players and stakeholders increase the tempo of their preparedness for the local government election slated for April 27, 2024, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has inaugurated a high-powered team of party faithful as members of its technical committee saddled with the responsibility of facilitating the desired victory for all its candidates.
Performing the epoch-making inauguration ceremony at the party’s secretariat in Oke Ado, Ibadan, on Thursday, the APC state chairman, Barrister Isaac Omodewu, who was represented by the Secretary, Alhaji Tajudeen Olanite, charged members of the committees to do all within their power to ensure that all the 351 councillorship and 33 chairmanship candidates being fielded by the party secure victory in their respective wards and councils.
“Most people in Oyo State have come to realize that APC is a veritable tool to rescue the third tier of government from the shackles of Governor Seyi Makinde, who has not missed every opportunity to show to the world that he does not want the local government areas to function as enshrined in the nation’s constitution. The governor has literally strangulated the 33 LGs and now is the time for us to come in and save the situation.
“The State Executive Committee of our great party under my leadership is of the staunch belief that if we are able put our house in order and reach out to the good people of the state, particularly the voting public, the plan by the ruling PDP to write results and forcefully declare their candidates as winners would not see the light of the day. We believe you can do it and we are ready to encourage you to deliver the good against all odds,” he said.
Among party faithful who were inaugurated as members of the apex committees are Chief Iyiola Oladokun, Chief Moses Adeyemo, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan, Sen. Teslim Folarin, Sen. Brimo Yusuf, Chief (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Chief Akin Oke, Dr. Isiaka Kolawole, Alh. Fatai Ibikunle, Sen. Olufemi Lanlehin and Engr. Idris Adeoye while those in the Central Working Committee include Senators AbdulFatai Buhari, Sharafadeen Alli, Yunus Akintunde, Adesoji Akanbi, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Barr. Akeem Agbaje, Hon. Tajudeen Abisodun, Hon. Akeem Adeyemi, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe and Hon. Olamijuwon Alao-Akala.
Others include Prof Taoheed Adedoja, Prof. Soji Adejumo, Prof. Abideen Olaiya, Alh. Isiaka Alimi, Dr. Abisoye Fagade, Hon. Kola Olabiyi, Hon. Folake Olunloyo-Oshinowo, Mr. Soji Eniade, Hon. Bosun Oladele, Chief Goke Oyetunji, Hon. Kolapo Kola-Daisi, Hon. Bimbo Adepoju, Hon. Musibau Azeez, Hon. Azeez Yisau, Barr. Ademola Salami, Barr. Yemi Aderibigbe, Hon. Ramota Okemakinde, Hon. Akeem Olatunji (Akogun), Hon. Billy Ogundele, Hon. Samuel Egunjobi, Hon. Abiodun Adigun-Hammed, Hon. Dele Akinleye, Hon. Afeez Bolaji Repete, Chief Titi Gbadamosi, Hon. Obatunde Oladapo, Hon. Banji Agboola, Hon. Taiwo Okunlola among others.
The Publicity Secretary of the party, Olawale Sadare, later released the schedule for the zonal rallies planned to take place in Ibarapa, Ibadan Outer City, Oke-Ogun 1, Oke-Ogun 2, Ogbomoso, Oyo and Ibadan City zones respectively between April 17 and 24, which was ratified by all the attendees.
Special prayers were offered by Muslim and Christian leaders for the success of the party while all committee members promised to work together with other stakeholders to deliver on their mandate.