A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State and frontline 2027 gubernatorial aspirant, Akeem Adedeji Agbaje, Esq., has urged disenchanted members of the party who identify with its progressive tradition to remain within the APC and work towards rebuilding the party rather than seeking alternatives in opposition parties.

‎Agbaje made the call on Thursday, September 17, 2026, while delivering the keynote address at the Oyo State APC Central Progressives’ Conference held in Ibadan, with the theme, “The State of Core Progressives Within the Oyo State APC.” He said the gathering was an opportunity for members to reflect on the direction of progressive politics in Oyo State and the future of the APC.

‎He described Oyo State as historically rooted in progressive politics, characterised by grassroots participation, consensus-building, fairness, justice and attention to the interests of ordinary people. According to him, the progressive tradition was bigger than individual political ambitions and should be protected by those who genuinely subscribed to its ideals.

Agbaje expressed concern that genuine progressives had, in some instances, been pushed to the margins by what he described as “political merchants” who had little regard for progressive ideals, warning that sidelining party members who had worked to build its structures could weaken the APC. He called for greater inclusion, internal democracy and respect for grassroots structures, urging aggrieved members not to abandon the party.

‎“We cannot afford to remain in opposition in Oyo State for another eight years because of the selfish ambitions of a few. Political ambition is legitimate, but no individual’s ambition should be greater than the survival, unity and progress of the party.”

The APC chieftain also called for continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda beyond 2027, saying progressives should remain within the APC and work collectively to strengthen the party and its structures. He argued that the party needed to reclaim its progressive identity and build a stronger platform capable of retaining the confidence of its members and supporters.

“The time to act is now. We must rescue Oyo APC before it is too late, not for one person or one group, but for the progressive family and for our dear people of Oyo State. Let us reclaim our party under the leadership of true progressives, those who stand and bond with our members at all times and not only during election season.”

‎The conference brought together  Oyo State APC progressive figures and grassroots stakeholders from different parts of Oyo State, including Chief Kunle Sanda from Lagelu, Alhaji Bello Adeleke Oladeji from Ibadan North, Chief Dr. Barr. Ayo Ogundeji from Atisbo, Elder Olaogun from Saki West, Rev. Dr. Olayode and Elder Adesokan from Iwajowa, Chief Dejo Adebisi from Itesiwaju, Hon. Kunle Teslim from Iseyin, Alhaji Azeez Ogooluwa and Alhaji Wahab Alarape from Kajola, as well as other leaders from Ibadan, Ogbomoso, Oyo, Afijio, Ona Ara, Oluyole, Egbeda and Ibarapa among others.