The Oyo State Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Isaac Ajiboye Omodewu has urged the newly-inaugurated executive members of the party in the state to unite and work in line with the party’s constitution.
Omodewu gave the charge at the inauguration of 35 state executives and 33 local government chairmen of APC in the state held on Monday at the party’s state secretariat, Oke-Ado, Ibadan.
After their inauguration, the local party chairmen proceeded with the inauguration of 33 local and 351 ward executives of the party.
While acknowledging the hybrid nature of the APC that was formed as a result of the 2013 merger of the defunct legacy parties which included the ACN, CPC, PDP, ANPP and LP, Omodewu affirmed that the party belongs to no one but all the members.
He said, “The congresses have come and gone; there is no victor, no vanquished. It’s time to get united and mobilised for the 2023 general elections. Though I am of Ajimobi political bloc, I belong to all forward-looking members of APC. My main tasks are to unite all tendencies within the party and to lead APC to victories in the 2023 general elections.
“To be in charge of a very sophisticated political party like APC is a heavy responsibility; I assure our teeming members, it is a responsibility we will not take very lightly. I pledge to do my utmost, God being on my side, to justify the faith and the confidence all APC members have reposed in me and other executives at all levels. I pledge to run an open and transparent administration where all party members will be carried along. Our administration will instill discipline, respect for rule of law and constituted authorities within and outside the party. Apart from genuine reconciliation and harmonisation, our administration shall also embark on aggressive membership drive.”
He admonished the state and local executives to eschew discrimination and nepotism as he reiterated that, “APC is a party built on the principles of democracy and human development; the party provides equal opportunity for every party member and any Nigerian that is willing to join the party.
“I am assuring our party leaders, aspirants and their supporters that the era of impunity and imposition of candidates is over. Our administration shall create a level-playing field for members jostling for one position or the other in 2023 elections. We’re returning the party to the members; they will determine the faiths of all aspirants. No leader or group will be allowed to impose candidates on the party.”
He also thanked the Mai Mala Buni-led APC Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) for recording a lot of success for the party, all former deputy governors, Oyo APC Elders Advisory Council led by His Excellency Barrister Iyiola Oladokun; former first ladies, former speakers, former and serving National Assembly members; former and serving state lawmakers; former and servings political appointees; party elders and critical stakeholders; youth and women wings of the party for their commitment and perseverance.
A minute silence was observed to honour the memories of the departed leaders of the party: His Excellency (Dr.) Lamidi Onaolapo Majiyagbe Adesina (Great Lam), His Excellency Senator (Dr.) Isiaq Abiola Adeyemi Ajimobi (Shehu), His Excellency Otunba (Dr.) Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala (Oyato Governor) and all leaders who are no longer in the land of the living.
Core loyalists of late former governors Lam Adesina, Abiola Ajimobi and Alao-Akala were present during the inauguration. They included Alhaji M.K.O Olaoye, Alhaji Mufutau Adisa Gbayawu, Alhaji Kamorudeen Ajisafe, Alhaji Razak Lawal Akilapa, Chief Kehinde Balogun, Alhaji Audu Marafa, Prince Gbade Lana, Alhaji Babalola, Chief Lowo Obisesan, Chief Adegboyega Adegoke, Hon. Yinka Taiwo, Alhaji Shina Alabi, Alhaji Kayode Adanla, Hon. Akeem Olatunji Akogun; former state house of assembly members: Rt. Hon. Kehinde Subair, Rt. Hon. Hammed Adigun Murphy, Hon. Akin Ali, Hon. D.A Lawal, Rt. Hon. Segun Ajanaku, Hon. Kehinde Oloya, Hon. Fatai Salaam, Hon. Ibrahim Bolomope, Hon. Oyatokun, Hon. Salaudeen Amao, Hon. Abiodun Adegoke, Hon. Segun Ajanaku, Hon. Ramota Okemakinde, Hon. Sakirulah Fajimi, Hon. Ajeigbe Bada, Hon. Emmanuel Adelowo and Hon. Ogunaola Hamzat.
Also present were former speaker and serving minority leader of Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Asimiyu Alarape; Hon. Wumi Oladeji, Hon. Isiaka Kazeem Arole and Hon. Bamigboye Jacob Abidoye.
Federal lawmakers present were Rt. Hon. Segun Odebunmi, Hon. Musiliu Akinremi Jagaban, Hon. Shina Peller, Hon. Jacob Ajao and Hon. Akin Alabi.
Former ALGON chairman, Hon. Ademola Ojo; former political office holders during Ajimobi’s administration were among other gladiators that graced the event.
