AN OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR

RE: Immediate Presidential Action Required in Oyo APC to Salvage the Party Before 2027

Your Excellency,

I reach out with the utmost insight of responsibility, loyalty, and apprehension as a dedicated member of our esteemed party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Oyo State. This is not merely a personal allure or requiem, but the united voice of countless earmarked progressives who toiled tirelessly for our party with their dedication, sacrifices, and lives.

Historically, the figurine of the APC in Oyo State was not an unintended occurrence. It arose from the challenging yet noble merger of the progressive factions of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), a segment of APGA, and the new PDP, inspired by your liberation vision. Collectively, we established an intense political platform that reshaped Oyo and established a progressive government.

Your Excellency, figures such as the Late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who achieved the historic milestone of a two-term government for APC in Oyo; Chief Akin Oke, who later held the position of APC State Chairman; among others to bolster APC’s grassroots efforts, these contributions must never be overlooked. These individuals, alongside many women, youths, and ward leaders across all 33 local governments, shouldered the burden of the APC during its most formidable and tough times.

Regrettably, Your Excellency, since 2019, the APC in Oyo has experienced a gradual decline. Our once-unified party is now divided due to:

• Internal Factionalism and Struggles – Leaders working against each other.
• Misguided Reward System – Loyal members are being overlooked while those who opposed the APC in prior elections are granted federal positions.
• Candidate Imposition – Internal democracy has been compromised, leading to discontent.
• Lack of Reconciliation – Authentic complaints from party elders and youths have gone unresolved.
• Grassroots Structure Neglect – The wards and local governments, which were once our most potent tool, are now neglected.

This decline has granted Governor Seyi Makinde and the PDP uncontrolled authority over Oyo State. On three different occasions, in 2019 and 2023, and once again in the recent by-election in Ibadan North Federal constituency, the APC has lost the governorship and numerous federal/state positions, not due to our frailty, but because we are fragmented and overlooked.

These brought severe effects on the party and its members:

• The APC in Oyo is demoralised and disorganised.
• Grassroots leaders feel neglected by the national leadership.
• Youths who once had faith in the progressive vision are now disheartened.
• Loyal party members who deserve recognition are witnessing betrayers reap the rewards of their efforts.
• Most concerning, the PDP now enjoys unchecked dominance, diminishing our prospects.

Your Excellency, Oyo APC Is Your Family and Blood!

Mr. President, Oyo APC is an integral part of your political family. You are aware of the sacrifices made by our current and former leaders. You recognise how figures like Ajimobi, Chief Oke, and many others steadfastly supported you.

How is it possible that the Lagos APC receives your full attention while the Oyo APC, the second stronghold in Yorubaland and your home, is left unattended?

Why should our candidate in the last election, Senator Teslim Folarin, and the others who contributed so much be forsaken, while those who worked against the party receive acknowledgement and appointments?

Your Excellency, this raises a question of fairness. This is essential for the preservation of your legacy.

A Call to Action: The Way Forward Before 2027!

For the APC to re-establish itself in Oyo State, immediate presidential intervention is crucial. I respectfully suggest:

1. Immediate Stakeholders’ Meeting: Convene all Oyo APC leaders, former deputy governors, senators, elders, and youth and women leaders for reconciliation and restructuring under your guidance.
2. Honour Loyalty: Acknowledge and empower true APC loyalists, rather than betrayers.
3. Transparent Candidate Selection: Cease imposition; promote inclusive, democratic practices.
4. Revitalise Grassroots Mobilisation: Equip ward and local government structures to initiate early work for 2027.
5. Engage Youths and Women: Infuse new energy to fortify the party.
6. Strategic Counter to Seyi Makinde: Unite Oyo APC to present a single, formidable candidate.

Conclusion,

Your Excellency, the Yoruba people believe in you. We know that if you seek re-election, you will receive overwhelming Yoruba support. But we cannot remain captives under Governor Seyi Makinde and the PDP in Oyo State.

We beg you, for the sake of history, for the sake of justice, and the sake of the labour of our heroes; Ajimobi, Chief Akin Oke, and others, do not let their sweat be wasted.

Oyo APC is your house, your family, and your legacy. We call on you, Mr. President, to urgently intervene, reconcile, and reposition APC in Oyo before it is too late.

May Almighty God guide your leadership and bestow you the wisdom to restore APC Oyo to its rightful place as the people’s party.

God Bless Nigeria 🇳🇬

Respectfully submitted,
A Loyal Party Stakeholder and Progressive Voice from Oyo State:
Adeyemi Sodiq, O., (Ph.D)

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