•By Oyeniyi Awojoodu
IBADAN – The former Chairman of Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) Professor Adeolu Akande has called for unity among members of All Progressive Congress (APC) Oyo state chapter, just as he stressed that it will be very difficult for the party to return to power at the state level without peace and unity.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the Adelabu’s consultation stakeholders meeting in Iseyin town hall on Saturday, Akande said without peace the goal of the party which is to return to power at the forthcoming 2027 general elections will not be achieved.
Also in his remarks, the former commissioner for work, Alhaji Oladimeji Dauda popularly known as Azuzu, said unity is very important at a time like this when the party is working to return to power.
In his address, the Minister of powers, Chief Adebayo Adelabu said “there is no party like Progressive party in Nigeria today.
He further noted that APC is the only party that can give Nigeria genuine democracy.
He said, “The purpose of my coming here today is to officially inform you of my gubernatorial ambition.
“I want to also clear the rumour that some people have been saying that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has endorsed me as the sole candidate of APC in Oyo state, there is nothing like that, I’m not afraid of competition, and we must all embrace and support the right person to emerge.Our leaders have a lot to do in this regard, we must start considering working for whoever we know it’s worthy for the race. I’m here for consultation and not campaign, because we have not start campaigning for elections now.
“There are lot things we will do to improve the economy prosperity of this zone, we will invite Chinese investors that will construct light rail project that will connect Oke Ogun zones to the main rail terminal in Moniya, Ibadan and from there we are already connected to the world. Oke Ogun is known for agririan potential, we will harness potential for economic prosperity. This is consultation tour to inform you about my governorship ambition and I’m 95% sure that I will contest but the remaining 5% is your support, we must ensure we return to power in 2027.
“Unity will give us progress, and I can see that the peace has returned back to our party with what I’m seeing here, and this showed that it’s high time for us to return to power, the party is supreme, the party must be in unity, the party is supreme than any individuals, if we have all Senate in this state, and all federal representative without having the governor that means we are not in power.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the Oke Ogun University this showed that he has the interest of Oke Ogun people at heart, and this is being done without having the governor that can fight for our interest, so we can imagine if we produce the next governor, that means we will have power at the top and the middle, this will fast track development in our state.” Adelabu said.
Chief Adelabu also met with stakeholders across Ibadan lesser city comprising, Egbeda, Ona – Ara, Lagelu, Akinyele, Oluyole, and Ido local governments.
Stakeholders at the meeting include the former Deputy Governor, Iyiola Oladokun, Hon Kola Olabiyi, former SSA to late Governor Abiola Ajimobi on Political Matters, Hon Dele Akinleye, Pa Goke Oyetunji, Surveyor Ola Shiyanbola, Hon Adisa Adeniji, Hon Supo Olayode, Elder Adesokan, Reverend Bayo Olayode, Chief Goke Oyetunji, Hon. Rasaki Arikewuyo, Mr Aderohunmu Timothy, Chief Jimoh Oyekunle, Alhaji Osuolale Awoleye, Mr Onaolapo Oladokun, Pa Ariori Micheal, Alhaji Abu Gbadamosi, Alhaji Isiaka Salami, Alhaji Elegbde Muniru, Hon Musibau Azeez.
On the entourage of Chief Adelabu are, Alhaji Alimi Isiaka, Alhaji Wale Sanusi, Alhaji Rahufu Abolade Bello, Hon Olu Abiola, Hon Abass Alesinloye, Hon Gbenga Olayemi, Hon Kola Amoo Mazelo, Hon Taiwo Ige, among others.