By Abigail Philip David
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has called on the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, to build on the party’s recent successes in Edo and Ondo States to wrest control of Oyo State from Governor Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Adelabu made the appeal on Wednesday during a visit to the APC National Working Committee at the party’s secretariat in Abuja. He was accompanied by a delegation of Oyo State APC executives and lawmakers.
The minister attributed the party’s previous loss in Oyo to internal divisions but assured Ganduje that the Oyo APC has now resolved its differences and united its members.
“We want your guidance and support for our state chairman to replicate the success you’ve demonstrated nationally,” Adelabu said. “For the first time since the last elections, Oyo APC is united, with no factions, and we are determined to reclaim governance in Oyo.
“We lost the last two elections not due to lack of popularity but because of internal divisions. A house divided against itself cannot stand. Oyo is traditionally an APC state, and in 2019, despite being divided, we had two senators and 10 House of Representatives members. This shows the strength of APC at the grassroots level.”
Adelabu also praised Ganduje’s leadership and commended President Bola Tinubu for his courage and vision since assuming office.
In response, Ganduje expressed satisfaction with the resolution of Oyo APC’s internal crises and encouraged the state chapter to remain united and focused.
“Oyo is part of our plan for political homogeneity,” Ganduje said. “We’re pleased with the unity and commitment you’ve shown. Organize a mega stakeholders’ meeting in Ibadan to demonstrate the party’s strength and intimidate the opposition.
“We’ve made it clear that it’s no longer business as usual. Party offices must be functional at all levels, with regular meetings to maintain coherence and visibility. For the 2027 elections, we must recover all the seats we lost, including those vacated by the deaths of some members. These seats belong to APC, and it’s our duty to reclaim them.”
Ganduje urged the Oyo APC to stay organized and proactive as they prepare for future elections.
