President Bola Tinubu has urged all leaders and stakeholders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State to set their differences aside and collaborate to gain control of the state before the 2027 general election.
Naija News reports that Oyo State is currently being governed by Engr. Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
However, Tinubu during the inaugural lecture series of the state’s former governor, who served from 1999 to 2003, Lam Adesina, in Ibadan, the state’s capital, highlighted that Adesina was a staunch advocate for democracy, achieving national recognition for his remarkable courage and steadfast dedication to serving humanity and promoting good governance.
Naija News understands that the lecture’s focus was on “Enhancing Governance in Nigeria: Insights from History, Strategies for Tomorrow.”
Represented by the Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, the president emphasized the significance of the state’s role in the progressive movement for the upcoming election.
“Adesina stood for high democratic ideals that underpin the democratic system of government. Ideals are essential for ensuring that power is held by the people, either directly or through elected representatives.
“Ideals of effective participation in governance with citizens making their views known on policy decisions. Consequently, to honour his memory, the progressives in the state must come together as one. You all must fight the fight and win the battle… Come 2027, the state must return to the progressive fold,” Tinubu insisted.
The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, who served as the guest lecturer and was represented by Senator Shuaib Salisu, underscored the importance of Nigerians re-evaluating their value system.
This re-evaluation is essential for fostering a sense of responsibility, moral integrity, and diligence among citizens, in contrast to the prevailing culture of indiscipline, greed, and corruption.
Among the dignitaries present at the event were former Governors of Ekiti State, Adeniyi Adebayo and Kayode Fayemi, as well as Teslim Folarin, the former Senate Leader and APC Governorship candidate in the 2023 election for the state.
Other notable attendees included Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, former Deputy Governor Iyiola Oladokun, acting APC state Chairman Alake Adeyemo, Olayide Abas, Femi Lanlehin, Senator Adesoji Akanbi, Akin Oke, Adeolu Akande, and several others.
The late Adesina, who passed away in 2012, was a distinguished member of the House of Representatives from 1979 to 1983, served as the chairman of the state chapter of the now-defunct National Democratic Coalition, was a renowned newspaper columnist, and an esteemed educationist who played a significant role in the movement that led to the end of military rule in Nigeria in 1999.