Oyo APM Aspirants Form Forum, Seek Political Inclusion After Primaries, Visit Party Chieftain Olopoeyan
•By KAZEEM OYENIYI
IBADAN — A group of aspirants under the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Oyo State who were not elected during the party’s recent primaries have come together to form a united political platform aimed at maintaining relevance within the party and consolidating their grassroots structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group, operating under the name Oyo State Aspirant Forum (OYAF), comprises former aspirants who participated in the APM primaries held in Ibadan on May 28 and May 30, 2026, where the party selected its candidates for the 2027 general elections under the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to APM chieftain, Alhaji Rasheed Adebisi, popularly known as Olopoeyan, in Ibadan, leaders of the forum said the group was formed to prevent the collapse of political structures built during the primaries and to ensure continued engagement within the party.
The delegation included Dr. Amuda Hafeez, Alhaja Oluwatoyin Fatima Oluwa, and Hon. Adenowo Oluwaseun Abiodun, alongside other members of the forum.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Amuda Hafeez, who spoke on behalf of the forum, said the decision to form the association followed consultations among aspirants who realised they still controlled active political structures despite not securing tickets.
According to him, the forum was created to unite these structures under one umbrella and continue working for the success of APM in the forthcoming elections.
“We all contested the primaries and we all have structures. Rather than allowing those structures to go to other parties, we decided to come together as a force within APM to work for the success of the coming election,” he said.
He explained that the visit to Olopoeyan was aimed at seeking political guidance and support, adding that the meeting provided strategic direction for the newly formed forum.
Also speaking, Alhaja Oluwatoyin Fatima Oluwa, who confirmed her membership of the forum, said the group was formed less than a week earlier and was already mobilising supporters across various local governments.
She expressed the group’s commitment to unity within APM, stressing support for Governor Seyi Makinde and other party candidates ahead of 2027.
“We are here to support APM, we are here to support Governor Makinde. We want unity, wisdom and knowledge so that our efforts will not go astray. We have followers across our constituencies, and we are committed to ensuring victory for the party,” she said.
Similarly, Hon. Adenowo Oluwaseun Abiodun, also known as “Yankee,” described the forum as a body of professionals and intellectuals committed to political synergy within the party.
He noted that the group was not formed in opposition to APM but to strengthen its internal cohesion and ensure that aspirants remain relevant after the primaries.
“We are intellectuals and professionals. After the primaries, instead of going separate ways, we decided to work together. We are aligned with the vision of the leadership and we believe in continuity and unity,” he said.
He further appealed for political recognition and inclusion, noting that many aspirants invested heavily during the primaries and should not be sidelined completely.
“We expect that every hand that works should eat. Many of us spent resources during the primaries. We are not angry; we are only asking to remain relevant and useful to the system,” he added.
Responding to the delegation, APM Oyo State Chairman, Otunba Fagbemi Adegbenro, commended the initiative of the forum and urged members to remain committed to the unity and stability of the party.
He noted that the concerns raised by the aspirants were already receiving attention at the leadership level and assured them that ongoing consultations with relevant stakeholders would help address their grievances.
Otunba Adegbenro also emphasized the need for party cohesion, warning against post-primary divisions that could weaken the party’s chances ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to him, the party leadership remains committed to inclusiveness and internal dialogue, adding that every member of the party has a role to play in achieving electoral victory.
He further assured the forum that their loyalty and continued support for the party would not go unnoticed as preparations intensify for the general elections.
Also responding, Alhaji Rasheed Adebisi (Olopoeyan) assured the group that their concerns would be conveyed to the appropriate party and government authorities.
He said Governor Seyi Makinde is aware of the concerns raised by political stakeholders and assured that steps would be taken to address them.
According to him, the aspirants are encouraged to continue working for the success of APM and all candidates under its platform, adding that unity remains key to victory in 2027.
“Governor Seyi Makinde is aware of your concerns and he will address them. You will continue to see results as soon as possible. Continue working for APM and all candidates under the party so that we can emerge victorious,” he said.
Other members present at the meeting included Dr. Amuda Hafeez, Moshood Ismail Abioye, Tosin David, Hon. Rasaq Boladale Raheem, Alhaja Olarenwaju Temitope, Matthew Okeowo, Moshood Abioye, and Akande Ridwan among others