In a major move to restore cohesion within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, governorship aspirant, Oloye Saheed Oladele, on Saturday hosted all 33 local government chairmen of the party in Bodija, Ibadan.
The unprecedented gathering, attended by chairmen from areas including Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Oorelope, and Olorunsogo, marked the first time all APC chairmen across the state met in full.
Ibadan North APC chairman, Alhaji Taofeek Olayiwola, described the turnout as a sign that Oladele’s ambition has divine backing.
Addressing the party leaders, Oladele, who is the Baameko of Ibadanland, stressed the need to mend internal divisions, citing the party’s loss in the recent Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election as a result of disunity.
He noted that the APC has the capacity to defeat the PDP in future elections but must first heal internal cracks.
Oladele revealed that despite his large support base, he deliberately avoided setting up a personal political structure, saying, “Party unity is more important than any aspirant’s ambition. No political aspiration can succeed without a united front.”
He urged the APC to field a young, neutral, and widely acceptable candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
Speaking on behalf of the chairmen, Architect J.O. Omoniyi of Ibadan Southwest LGA affirmed their commitment to strengthening the party, stressing that the APC must not enter the 2027 polls divided.
The chairmen commended Oladele’s unifying efforts and offered prayers for his success in the coming race.
