Oyo APC Intensifies 2027 Strategy, Seeks Higher Votes for Tinubu Than 2023

…As Aleshinloye assures support, pushes for grassroots empowerment

…Adeyemo pushes unity as Aleshinloye advocates greater role for local government leaders

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Moses Alake Adeyemo, has called for unity and intensified grassroots mobilisation among party members as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.

Adeyemo made this statement during a courtesy visit by a Federal Character Commissioner, Prince Abass Aleshinloye, at the APC Party House in Oke-Ado, Ibadan.

Speaking at the event, the APC chairman emphasized the importance of grassroots politics, noting that governance begins at the local level.

He commended party stakeholders, including local government chairmen, vice chairmen, and councillors, for their continued support and loyalty to the party.

The Chairman expressed confidence in the growing strength of the APC, highlighting the increasing number of defectors joining the party.

Adeyemo also referenced Bala Mohammed, stating that the party remains open to more high-profile defections.

The chairman urged party members not to relent in their efforts, stressing the need to secure even higher votes than those recorded in the 2023 elections for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Oyo State.

“We must work together to surpass our previous achievements and ensure victory in future elections,” Adeyemo said, adding that unity within the party remains crucial.

He acknowledged that the APC experienced internal divisions during the 2023 elections but noted that all factions have now reconciled.

The Chairman warned against actions that could disrupt the current unity, urging members to remain focused on the party’s collective goal.

Adeyemo also encouraged members who may feel sidelined following the recent state congress to remain patient and committed, assuring them that opportunities would arise when the party assumes power.

Looking ahead, he expressed optimism that the APC would take control of the Oyo State Government in 2027, stressing that effective grassroots campaigning would be key to achieving this objective.

On zoning, the chairman noted his personal preference for the governorship position to be zoned to the Oke-Ogun area but cautioned against any form of violence if such aspirations are not realized.

He reiterated the need for continuous engagement, reconciliation, and cooperation among party members to ensure electoral success.

Earlier in his address, The Federal Character Commissioner, Prince Abass Aleshinloye expressed strong confidence in the newly elected executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, pledging the support of former local government officials under the Forum 68 group.

He congratulated the executives on their emergence, describing them as experienced politicians capable of leading the party to greater success.

Aleshinloye noted that the composition of the new executive includes seasoned party veterans, expressing optimism that the APC would thrive under their leadership.

He assured the new leadership that Forum 68 members are ready to work as partners in progress to ensure the party’s success in the state.

Aleshinloye emphasized the importance of grassroots governance, urging the party leadership to leverage the existing structure of local governments and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) to strengthen the party’s reach.

He further advocated for greater inclusion of elected local government chairmen in party decision-making processes, particularly calling for their automatic recognition as delegates at party congresses and national conventions.

“This is essential because local government chairmen are closest to the grassroots and should be adequately represented in party affairs,” he said.

The commissioner also linked this proposal to ongoing constitutional reviews within the party, expressing hope that such reforms would institutionalize grassroots participation.

Reflecting on past political struggles, Aleshinloye reiterated his group’s longstanding advocacy for local government autonomy, noting that they successfully challenged policies of the administration of Seyi Makinde in court up to the Supreme Court.

He expressed confidence in the APC’s chances in future elections, stating that the party would improve on its 2023 performance, when Oyo State delivered significant votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We are determined to double our efforts and ensure victory in 2027,” he said.

While declining to comment extensively on the upcoming local government elections, Aleshinloye described the process as flawed, adding that the party would address the issue at an appropriate time.

He reaffirmed the commitment of grassroots politicians to the APC, assuring the leadership of their continued loyalty and readiness to mobilize support across the state.