A strong chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State Oloye Ismaila Akinade Fijabi, has said that Governor Seyi Makinde’s achievements will make it difficult for any opposition candidate to defeat his preferred successor in the 2027 governorship election.
Fijabi made the statement while featuring on a radio programme on Sunday morning, where he praised the governor’s performance and influence, especially within Ibadan.
“I am an APC chieftain, but the truth is that Seyi Makinde is doing well. He is an Ibadan man, and with the level of development he has brought, it will be tough to beat his candidates,” he said.
APC in Disarray, Needs Urgent Rebuilding
Fijabi lamented the current state of the APC in Oyo State, describing the party as being in disarray. He stressed the need for internal reconciliation and proper inclusion of all stakeholders to avoid a repeat of past electoral failures.
“If we are to achieve anything in the next election, we must get things right. The likes of Senator Teslim Folarin, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, and other stakeholders must come together to rebuild the party. If they impose any candidate again, we will fail,” he warned.
He also noted that many APC members have already defected or pledged allegiance to Governor Makinde, even if they are yet to make it public.
“Many of them have crossed to other parties or are now quietly working with Seyi. I am only voicing out what many are thinking,” he added.
Ibadan’s Political Advantage
Fijabi also spoke on the recurring issue of Ibadan’s dominance in the Oyo governorship race. He argued that unless other zones in the state forge unity, they will continue to struggle to produce a governor.
“Ibadan is united. Unless there is unity in the other zones, it will be difficult to defeat Ibadan. Until an Ibadan State is created, others will keep facing this challenge,” he said.
Calls for Inclusion of Competent Aspirants
The APC chieftain further expressed concerns about the exclusion of capable individuals from crucial party meetings and decision-making processes. He named his son, Hon. Saheed Fijabi; Chief Sarafadeen Alli; Senator Teslim Folarin; and Hon. Remi Oseni as competent and qualified governorship hopefuls who should be given more opportunities within the party.
“These are capable people, but the party is not inviting them to the key meetings where important decisions are made,” he said.
He also spoke about his relationship with Wasiu Ayinde Marshall Kwam 1 describing him as a good and responsible person.
