In an interview with journalists on Monday in Ibadan, Akeem Agbaje, a two-term governorship candidate and a mainstay of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, vowed that party members would oppose any attempt to force a candidate for governor before the 2027 elections. Agbaje cautioned that the mistakes of the 2023 elections, in which the APC lost its opportunity to regain power from the Peoples Democratic Party, must not be repeated: “A united APC will resist the imposition of a governorship candidate on the party in this state.” Agbaje asserted, “We have learned of a particular candidate moving around the state, telling people who care to listen that the leadership of the party in Abuja has endorsed him as the party flagbearer in Oyo in 2027.” He called such claims dangerous for party unity and urged aspirants to follow due process, saying, “Do what others are doing. Don’t wait to be imposed or don’t wait to buy the ticket. Do what others are doing. And we are making that case at the national level.” Agbaje was concerned that the aforementioned candidate “has never identified with the people at the grassroots,” warning that the APC could suffer another defeat if it moves forward with the rumored endorsement.He further said, “My philosophy is that the party is supreme and we must work together for the success of the party. But history has taught us that the party too must do the needful by picking a candidate that is largely acceptable to the community.
The people of this state are tired of the PDP-led administration, but it is now left for the APC to get its act right.”
Despite his critique of the PDP, Agbaje commended Governor Seyi Makinde’s handling of security in the state.
“Let me commend him (Makinde) on the issue of security. As far as I’m concerned, he is doing very well on the issue of security, because apart from the normal localised crimes, we don’t have any major crimes in the state,” he stated.
On the issue of recurring fire incidents in markets across the state, Agbaje called for structural reforms and expansion. “Every market in the state is full, which is why there are fire incidents. Proper expansion is needed.” “When those markets were first opened, particularly Aleshinloye and others, people didn’t want to go. Now the markets are crowded. Gate is crowded, and both old and new Gbagi are crowded.” “The government should create an enabling environment that allows people to do their businesses. Extending those markets is necessary,” he advised.
About The Author
