Oyo APC Leadership Pledges unwavering Support to Peace Advocates in Unity Drive
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State is intensifying its efforts towards internal cohesion, with the party’s leadership throwing its weight behind the Oyo APC Peace Advocates. Chief (Barrister) Iyiola Oladokun, Chairman of the Oyo APC Elders Forum and leader of the party in Oke-Ogun, lauded the Peace Advocates for their dedication and commitment to fostering unity within the party, assuring them of continued support.
Chief Oladokun’s commendation came during the Oke-Ogun zonal meeting held in Igboho on Monday, June 30, 2025, where he welcomed the Oyo APC Peace Advocates, led by co-conveners Chief Wale Ohu and Prince Niran Adeyoju SDM. The meeting saw a robust representation from all local governments and zones within Oke-Ogun.
“You are sacrificing your resources, time, and energy to preach peace within Oyo APC, and we will continue to support you,” Chief Oladokun declared, acknowledging the significant investment made by the group. He further revealed that the party leadership is well aware of the extensive efforts by the Peace Advocates to engage with party leaders, critical stakeholders, and officers both within and outside Oyo State. He urged the group to proceed with their previously discussed, yet unannounced, plans and programs with the Elders Forum.
Chief Wale Ohu, addressing the gathering on behalf of the Oyo APC Peace Advocates, expressed gratitude for the warm reception, noting that the Igboho meeting itself was a testament to the prevailing peace within the Oke-Ogun chapter of the party.
Reflecting on the 2023 gubernatorial election, Chief Ohu attributed the party’s loss to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to a lack of unity and internal fractionalization. “If Oyo APC approached the 2023 gubernatorial election as one united party, there was no way we would have lost to the PDP,” he stated.
He emphasized that the Oyo APC Peace Advocates have taken it upon themselves to prevent a recurrence of such “ugly and unfortunate circumstances” in the 2027 general elections. Crucially, Chief Ohu underscored the non-partisan stance of the Peace Advocates, asserting that none of its members harbor aspirations for any political office or have an interest in any particular aspirant.
Addressing the contentious issue of candidate selection, Chief Ohu highlighted that the processes adopted in 2023 were a significant factor in the party’s misfortunes. He pledged that with the collective support of party members, the group would work diligently to ensure that the processes for selecting party officials and candidates for 2027 are “free, fair, and transparent.”
Drawing a compelling parallel, Chief Ohu referenced the recent experience in Edo State, where the national headquarters of the APC ultimately acceded to the wishes of the broader party membership, leading to a successful outing against the incumbent ruling party. He specifically cited the gubernatorial primary that nominated the current Governor of Edo State, H.E. Monday Okpebolo, as an example of how free and fair processes can galvanize stakeholders and lead to victory. He noted that the Edo gubernatorial primary had to be repeated to accommodate the wishes of party faithfuls, a model the Oyo APC Peace Advocates are advocating for in Oyo State.
“Though it is our wish to win in 2027, we have to work hard for it and learn from the Edo State example,” Chief Ohu advised the meeting. He concluded by reiterating the group’s commitment to shielding the ongoing peace and unity efforts from any external influences that could jeopardize them.
The meeting saw a strong turnout of prominent party leaders, including Chief (Barrister) Iyiola Oladokun, H.E. Chief Alake Adeyemo, H.E. Eng. Rauf Aderemi Olaniyan, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, Baba Abu Gbadamosi, and Pa. Oyetunji. Also in attendance were all Oyo State House of Assembly members elected under the APC platform, all state party officers from Oke-Ogun, party chairmen, and selected stakeholders.
Sola Abegunde
