Members of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) in Ibadan south-west local government area of Oyo state have been urged to put aside their differences and unite behind the party’s consensus candidate in the interest of victory at the December 2026 local government election.
Oyo south senatorial candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) and member representing Ibadan North-west/Ibadan South-west federal constituency of Oyo state in the House of Representatives, Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide Odidiomo made the appeal, while addressing an enlarged meeting of party leaders, ward executives, members and stakeholders of the party from Ibadan south-west local government area of Oyo state, held at his Adeoyo residence. The meeting was convened to reconcile aggrieved members following the emergence of the party’s consensus candidate for the December 2026 local government election.
Addressing the gathering, the two term federal lawmaker appealed to members to place the collective interest of the party above individual aspirations, stressing that internal disagreements should not be allowed to weaken the growing strength of the Allied Peoples’ Movement ahead of future elections.
According to him, leadership comes with the responsibility, particularly in taking difficult decisions.
“You gave me the mandate I am using presently and I remain accountable to every member of this party. I am with you all. My father taught me that once you become a leader, you must learn to take the blame. I told our leaders that whatever the outcome of the process of choosing our candidate, I was prepared to accept responsibility,” he said.
Olajide recalled that he had also experienced personal disappointment in politics, noting that he understood the feelings of members affected by the consensus arrangement.
“I was once a victim myself. When I aspired to become governor, I was instead offered the senate ticket. I know how it feels. That is why I appeal to everyone here today to allow peace to reign. Let us all work for the interest of our party and support the choice that has emerged,” he added.
The federal lawmaker disclosed that he immediately engaged Governor Seyi Makinde after the controversy surrounding the consensus process, expressing confidence that the governor’s position was informed by the party’s long term political interests.
“I spoke with the governor the day after the decision was made. He is being strategic on this issue. We must remain focused and must not allow this development to divide us. The party is supreme in politics. This local government election is a litmus test for us in APM and our responsibility now is to unite and deliver victory for our party,” he appealed.
Olajide warned party faithful against actions capable of creating internal divisions, saying political opponents were eagerly waiting to exploit any misunderstanding within the APM.
“Our detractors are waiting for us to have problems in APM, but this is strictly an internal family affair and we are resolving it internally. We must not give anyone the opportunity to benefit from our differences. It is only God who gives positions,” he said.
Reassuring members of his continued support, the lawmaker pledged never to abandon those who had remained loyal to him and the party over the years.
“I stand with you. I appreciate your loyalty and sacrifice. The level of support is unprecedented and I will never take it for granted. I will always protect your interest and I assure you that none of us will lose out,” he declared.
Olajide further announced that the 1,085 party members in attendance would benefit from an empowerment programme within the next couple of weeks, revealing that their data had already been compiled.
“We have collected your data. None of you will be left out. I have made adequate provision for everyone who came here today because I value your commitment to our party. By the grace of God, Ibadan south-west local government will continue to wax stronger. We shall remain one united family,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, the political head of Ibadan west local council development area, Hon. Adeniyi Tajudeen Adigun (ATU), also appealed to party leaders and members to embrace reconciliation and work together for the overall interest of the Allied Peoples’ Movement.
He urged aggrieved members to put the consensus process behind them and concentrate on delivering victory for the party at the forthcoming local government election.
Party leaders and stakeholders present at the meeting include, former chairman, Ibadan south-west local government, Hon. Tajudeen Alesinloye, Political head, Ibadan West LCDA, Alhaji Tajudeen Adigun (Atu), Hon Taoheed Ayorinde, Alhaji Bukola Tirimisiyu, Pa. Adebisi Adesina, Pastor Taiwo Tibonyin, Alhaji Tajudeen Adeladan, Alhaji Tesleem Olaide, Hon Moruf Balogun (Murphy), Hon. Kunle Folarin (Baale) among others.
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