….Speaks on Political situation in Ondo
A frontline Aspirant for the Ondo State Chairmanship of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Olakunle Oyegoke, has insisted that the zoning of the 2027 presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the South will not stop the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
Speaking with Newsmen in Akure, the ondo State capital on Tuesday, Oyegoke described President Tinubu as a “mega force in Nigerian politics” whose political destiny remains unfinished.
The APC Chieftain pointed out that no matter where the PDP zones its ticket, the ruling party will retain power at the centre.
“Even if PDP zones its presidential ticket to Lagos State itself, they will still lose,” Oyegoke said.
“President Tinubu has a history with Nigerians that is yet to be fulfilled. Nigeria is undergoing a reconstructive process after years of decay, and Tinubu is laying the foundation. This cannot be completed in two years, but with consistency, Nigeria will arrive at its destined place. Zoning by PDP will not change that reality.”
“APC Will Uphold Fairness”
On the sensitive issue of candidate selection within APC, Oyegoke promised to ensure a level playing field for all aspirants.
While acknowledging that automatic tickets for some serving lawmakers have been suggested, he stressed that such decisions ultimately rest with the party leadership.
“A party is like a family. Once the family takes a decision, personal views may have to give way,” he noted. “But fairness must remain the guiding principle. The supremacy of the party must be upheld at all times.”
Support Groups Must Align Under Governors
The former Director of Publicity in AD and member of several APC committees cautioned support groups rallying for Tinubu to operate under the control of state leaders.
He observed that fragmentation of support groups in Ondo State has weakened the state’s voice at the federal level.
“It is a beautiful thing to see more groups mobilizing for Tinubu. But support groups cannot operate in isolation. In Ondo, the governor is the leader of the party and all groups must align under his leadership. We cannot have everyone claiming to be a leader; we must speak with one voice,” he warned.
“Respect for Party Elders Must Not Die”
Oyegoke also warned against the imposition of candidates, stressing that APC is a party founded on primaries and internal democracy. He insisted that symbolic leadership of party elders must be respected alongside the authority of governors.
“There are leaders who have been in this party for 50 to 60 years. Before anyone became a commissioner or adviser, they sought the blessings of these leaders. Respect is reciprocal. As chairman, I will ensure imposition does not derail our democratic process,” he assured.
His Ambition
Declaring his intention to contest the Ondo APC chairmanship in December, Oyegoke pledged to provide transparent, inclusive, and progressive leadership that will carry everyone along.
He promised regular meetings, proper feedback channels, and recognition for both leaders and grassroots members.
“The current executive has tried, but politics is continuous,” he said. “If elected, I will build on their achievements by ensuring transparency, inclusiveness, and accountability. Every member of our party in Ondo will be recognized, respected, and valued in the political space.”
