Party Leaders,Stakeholders Affirm Settle as APM Consensus Chairmanship Candidate for Oluyole LG Ahead of Polls

The Oluyole chapter of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) has affirmed the former Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Hon. Popoola Olaide, popularly known as “Settle,” as its consensus candidate for the chairmanship position ahead of the forthcoming local government election in Oyo State.

The decision was reached on Saturday at the Oluyole Local Government Secretariat, Idi-Ayunre, where party leaders, stakeholders and members gathered to formally endorse the former council boss.

Also affirmed was Hon. Taofeek Ogunrinde, who emerged as the party’s consensus candidate for the position of Vice Chairman.

The affirmation effectively clears the way for Olaide Settle to return to the leadership of Oluyole Local Government as the successor of the incumbent, Engr. Olatunji, having previously served as the council’s chairman.

The exercise was conducted amid expressions of support from Engr. Olatunji and party leaders, who described the choice of Settle and his vice as a reflection of consensus and the desire to present a united front ahead of the poll.

Speaking at the event, the LG APM chairman, Alhaji Nasiru Hamzat, urged members to close ranks and work collectively for the success of the APM candidates, stressing the need for sustained grassroots mobilisation across the council’s wards.

The endorsement, according to Alhaji Hamzat, is expected to further strengthen the party’s campaign structure in Oluyole as it prepares for the local government election.

“With the emergence of Olaide Settle and Ogunrinde as the consensus chairmanship and vice-chairmanship candidates respectively, attention is now going to focus on full-scale grassroots mobilisation and campaign activities across the council,” Hamzat said.

The choice of the two candidates followed consultations among party stakeholders, with leaders emphasising the importance of unity, consensus and a coordinated campaign ahead of the election.

The affirmation event also provided an opportunity for party members to reaffirm their commitment to the APM and its candidates, with calls for increased mobilisation across the council’s wards and communities.

Also speaking, a former commissioner in the state and one of the PDP/APM leaders in Oluyole, Hon Ayuba Balogun, described the moment as historic for the party.

He commended the party leadership and stakeholders for deepening unity and cohesion within its fold while expressing confidence in the consensus candidate to build upon the legacies of Olatunji.

He insisted that only the spirit of togetherness could propel the party to a resounding electoral victory in in any future contest while also urging members to eschew all forms of bickering and divisive tendencies.

He particularly lauded the Council chairman, Engr. Olatunji, for his visionary leadership and inclusive approach to both politics and governance.

He assured that the party in Oluyole LG would continue to build upon the success it has recorded in the grassroots across communities and neighborhoods to ensure landslide victory for all of its candidates from top to bottom.

In his brief remarks, Olatunji reiterated the importance of unity to party growth and members political development in pursuit of individual aspirations.

He maintained that Oluyole local government will continue to stay aligned with the vision of governor Seyi Makinde on political permutations and governance, particularly at the grassroots.

He warned against form of activities or conducts by any individual or group of people that may threaten the unity and internal cohesion within the party.

He assured that his government will continue to strengthen ties with development partners and relevant government and non government stakeholders towards continuous delivery of good governance to the people in the local government.

Other party leaders and stakeholders who spoke, urged members to work together to translate the consensus into electoral victory, stressing that the task ahead requires a united and grassroots-driven campaign.

In his brief remarks, Settle described Olatunji as a political unifier who has demonstrated the capacity to lead without bias.

He vowed to consolidate on the recorded achievements and good governance at the grassroots under the Olatunji led administration to further build Oluyole into an enviable socioeconomic status.

He assured leaders and party stakeholders that the unity and cohesion within the party will be sustained to ensure that both party faithful and the residents of Oluyole continue to enjoy dividends of democracy in the local government.

Also present at the event were Alh. Adegbola Mukaila; immediate past PDP Chairman at the Council, Oyo state Chairman RUWASSA; Alh. Waheed Afobaje, and Hon. Olumide Akinlade; SA to the Governor Oluyole Federal Constituency, party stakeholders, Local Government party excos, Ward Chairmen, and others.