The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Oyo State has commenced moves to reconcile aggrieved members and strengthen cooperation among its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party’s campaign council and leadership made the call at a strategic meeting with the governorship candidate, senatorial candidates, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly candidates, as well as other leaders of the party and campaign council.
The meeting, which focused on internal reconciliation, party discipline, grassroots mobilisation and coordinated campaigning, was aimed at ensuring that the party presents a united front in the 2027 elections.
Speaking at the meeting, the Acting Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Bayo Lawal, urged the candidates to put aside their individual differences and work collectively for the success of the party.
Lawal said the ability of the candidates and party structures to work together would be critical to the party’s performance at the polls.
He said, ‘The task ahead requires unity, commitment and genuine teamwork. If we are determined to win, every candidate must support one another and ensure that our message gets to the people across all the wards and local governments of Oyo State.’
The Director-General of the APM Campaign Council, Dr Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, said the council was committed to delivering victory for all the party’s candidates, rather than concentrating solely on the governorship election.
Adeniran also said the council had the responsibility of mobilising support for Governor Seyi Makinde’s presidential ambition in Oyo State.
He urged the candidates to take the party’s campaign to every part of the state, saying the APM logo, candidates and campaign message must become familiar to voters at the grassroots.
‘We must reach every nook and cranny of Oyo State. Our logo, our candidates and our message must get to the doorstep of every household,’ he said.
The campaign council DG further called for genuine reconciliation among party members, urging candidates to return to their respective constituencies and resolve lingering disagreements.
According to him, candidates should avoid unnecessary conflicts and focus their energy on building the party ahead of the elections.
Adeniran said, ‘We need serious and genuine reconciliation. Go back to your localities, resolve the issues and work together. There is no need for unnecessary battles when what we are pursuing is a collective victory.’
He also stressed the need for party discipline, effective mobilisation, proper branding and adequate campaign materials, announcing plans for reconciliation meetings across the three senatorial districts of the state.
The APM State Chairman, Otunba Adegbenro Fagbemi, similarly urged the candidates and party members to work ‘hand in hand’ to achieve the party’s objectives.
Also speaking, the Alliance Party Chairman, Hon Dayo Ogungbenro, described Governor Makinde as a pillar of hope in Oyo State and called for cooperation among the political actors within the coalition.
The APM governorship candidate, Hon Bimbo Adekanmbi, commended the party leadership and campaign council for convening the meeting.
Adekanmbi said the achievements recorded under the Makinde administration had provided the party with a strong basis for its campaign, urging members to take the message to the electorate.
He said, ‘We must take our message to the people and work together for the success of Governor Makinde and all APM candidates in the 2027 elections.’
Speaking on behalf of the Oyo Central Senatorial candidate, Ambassador Ajadi, Hon Sikiru Sanda appreciated the party leadership for its guidance, assuring that the concerns raised at the meeting would be addressed.
Representing the State House of Assembly candidates, Hon Sunkanmi Babalola also pledged to work with other candidates and party leaders to resolve areas of concern.
Hon Najeem Oyesina, popularly known as Oshine, thanked Governor Makinde, the Deputy Governor, the campaign council and other party leaders for providing a platform for dialogue.
He pledged that the candidates would strengthen their collaboration as the party prepares for the elections.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Coordinator of the Presidential Campaign, Hon Saheed Arowosaye; Deputy Director-General, Oyo North, Hon Siju Lawal; Deputy Director-General, Oyo South, Hon Ademola Ojo; Deputy Director-General, Oyo Central, Dr Femi Ojo; Director of Women Mobilisation, Hon Ramota Agberemi Dabo; Director of Youth Mobilisation, Hon Kazeem Bolarinwa, among others.
The party leadership expressed optimism that the reconciliation process, improved coordination and stronger grassroots mobilisation would enhance the chances of APM candidates across the various elective positions in the 2027 elections.