*Urges aspirants to put party first in their ambition
By Adeyinka Adeniran
A leading aspirant for the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, Dr Adewale Kareem popularly called AKK has described the successful conduct of the party congress as an indication of readiness of the party to take over the Agodi Government House, Ibadan in the next general election.
He said the success is a watershed moment for the parth in state, noting that it signals a definitive transition from internal consolidation to external readiness.
In a statement he personally signed on Monday, the guber aspirant commended the Congress planning committee for the peaceful conduct and the new party Chairman, Otunba Moses Adeyemo and his executives.
He said with the succeess, the time has come for the party to move beyond the friction of internal contests and embrace the path of genuine brotherhood and reconciliation, adding that for a party as large and vibrant as the APC, diverse interests are a sign of life, but “we must ensure they do not become a source of division.”
The statement reads in part, “The successful conclusion of our state congress is a watershed moment for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State. It signals a definitive transition from internal consolidation to external readiness. I once again extend my heartiest congratulations to His Excellency, Otunba Moses Alake Adeyemo, on his emergence as State Chairman, alongside the newly elected State Executive Committee.
“Your election is a pointer to your storied legacy as a seasoned administrator and a hardened progressive. We now stand on the threshold of a new political era, and for that, we must recognise that this leadership is the vessel through which our collective aspirations will be channeled.
“Indeed, it is a time for celebration, but more importantly, it is a time for the frank realisation that the task of reclaiming our state has officially begun.
“Ideologically, the time has come for us to move beyond the friction of internal contests and embrace the path of genuine brotherhood and reconciliation. For a party as large and vibrant as ours, diverse interests are a sign of life, but we must ensure they do not become a source of division.
“Every party faithful, whether satisfied or aggrieved by recent or aged electoral outcomes, must now undergo a psychological reset. We must rethink our notion of the journey ahead, and place the interest of the party above personal pride.
“Reconciliation must not be a mere slogan; it must be an active pursuit of love and mutual respect, for it is only as a united front that we can effectively challenge the status quo and deliver the progressive governance our people deserve.
“The urgency of this unity is underscored by the recent release of the INEC 2027 Election Timetable, which has fixed the Presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, and the Governorship polls for February 6, 2027.
“With the primary elections scheduled to commence as early as April 2026, we no longer have the luxury of time to waste on lingering grievances or internal rancour. There is a clock ticking, and it is pursuing us toward a decisive moment in our national history. We must rededicate ourselves to the mission with absolute focus and patriotism, and as well understand that every day spent in discord is a day gifted to our political opponents. Our focus must remain laser-sharp on the milestones ahead. Nothing less.
“We must embrace the fundamental truth that the APC is bigger than any individual aspiration. It is natural and healthy to have goals; indeed, I have my own legitimate aspirations for the governorship, which I shall continue to pursue with vigour within the provided guidelines and codes of our party.
“However, our mentality at every ward meeting, local government caucus, and state convention must be one of “Party First.” Our individual ambitions must be secondary to the survival and success of the APC fortress. If the party thrives, there is a platform for every dream; if the party falters, we all lose. This disciplined mindset is what will distinguish us as a party of order and logic.”
He warned that the party must be guided by genuineness of purpose and the desire to make things work for the common man.
Dr Kareem noted that the APC must take advantage of the visible disarray plaguing the ruling PDP in the state, as it shows lack of direction and an inability to distribute the dividends of democracy equitably across the geopolitical zones.
“Our goal is not just to participate in the 2027 general elections, but to win every elective position we field candidates for—from the State Assembly to the Agodi Government House, and even nationally.
“This victory starts by pursuing our interests with maturity and a deep-seated love for the progressive fold. When we contest for tickets, let it be a contest of ideas and capacity, not a war of attrition. It is the demonstration of this level of political sophistication that we can reassure the electorate that we are a party capable of managing both internal diversity and the complex affairs of a state like Oyo state.
“I have absolute faith in the ability and capacity of the Otunba Moses Alake Adeyemo-led executive to lead us to the promised land. A leader of his caliber, who served with distinction alongside the late Senator Ishaq Abiola Ajimobi, understands the nuances of power and the importance of stability.
“Every party member must respect this leadership and avoid any affront or activity that jeopardises our larger interests. We must be members of the APC to the heart and not merely on the tongue. Loyalty to the party structure and its leadership is the only way to ensure that our strategy remains coherent and our ranks remains impenetrable to the antics of the opposition.
“We must look at the current state of Oyo State with a sense of responsibility. The ruling party is visibly in disarray, plagued by a lack of direction and an inability to distribute the dividends of democracy equitably across our geopolitical zones. Their worry is our opportunity.
“While they are bogged down by succession crises and failed coalitions, we must put our house in order. We cannot be naive enough to let sentimental interests override our collective voice. It is time to send the current administration packing and return the APC to the Agodi Government House in May 2027.
“Let us unite, mobilise, and march forward as one formidable family. The Pacesetter State is waiting for its true leaders to return. Where do you stand?”, he added.
