The Alliance for Oke – Ogun Progressives, a dynamic political group of responsible individuals who share the same ideologies, reacted to a story in the media on a purported endorsement of an aspirant for the Oyo North Senatorial Districts ticket, credited to some ex-local government chairmen in Oke Ogun, in a release signed by their spokespersons, Prince Adebowale Abdullah Ojo, Mr Hammed Tunde and Mr Waliu Adeniji, rejected the endorsement and described it as an effort in futility.

“This set of people are not capable of such endorsement, considering the political dynamics of Oke Ogun. Rather, it is seen as a way of deceiving the political class and leadership of the party to arrogate the unfounded popularity to their principal.

The group continued, “The capacity of the 26 ex-local government chairmen in Oke Ogun to endorse a senatorial aspirant for the Oyo North Senatorial ticket is severely limited by multiple factors known to them.

“In the first place, the fact that they no longer hold office made them lack the power, resources and authority within the party structures. Therefore, their endorsement did not represent the view of the major stakeholders , APC faithful, current electorates and their preferences.

“Secondly, the perceived induced endorsement is regarded in various quarters to be irrelevant and not carrying any weight, based on the fact that the majority of the so-called ex-chairmen have not maintained active engagement in their local government politics since they left office and the influence arrogated to themselves has diminished greatly over time.” The group stated.

“We believed that the ex-local government chairmen should know or be better informed that they are not statutorily eligible to be part of the decisions to pick a candidate for the Oyo North Senatorial ticket like every other office. Such a right is reserved and vested in party leadership.

“The majority of these 26 ex-chairmen of local government in Oke Ogun have a history of controversial decisions and policies as well as lack of integrity during their tenure as chairmen; their endorsement, therefore, raises questions about their principal’s alignment with good governance and integrity.

“The endorsement of Prof. Adeolu Akande by 26 ex-local government chairmen did not carry the intended weight because they lack popular support and recognition among the current electorate.

It is on record that in 2023 the same so-called ex-local government chairmen endorsed Prof. Akande for the governorship election, despite which he failed to secure the Oyo State governorship tickets, and that made him allegedly work against the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election.

The time is now for Prof. Akande to learn that Oyo North is a senatorial district with its own political dynamics and voter preferences. His inability to translate endorsement into victory in 2023 will repeat itself in 2027 with his continued style of ‘media politicking’ and endorsement deceit, especially against potentially stronger aspirants with proven administrative and electoral records.

“We wish to call on the good people of Oke Ogun to turn their deaf ears to certain individuals or groups who are less concerned about the development of Oke Ogun and look out for a true indigene of Oke Ogun who can represent the interests of Oke Ogun and the entire Oyo North senatorial districts for the 2027 election.

Long live Oke Ogun. Long Live Oyo North Senatorial Districts.

Signed:

Prince Adebowale Abdullah Ojo.
Mr Hammed Tunde.
Mr Waliu Adeniji.