Jubilation As Agoro Okakaland, Durodola, Adesina, Olayode, Other Leaders Welcome Defectors to APC in Itesiwaju

The leadership of the All Progressive Congress, APC, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, recorded a significant twist in Okaka Thursday at the party’s General meeting where a number of defectors and new politicians joined the party amid pump and celebration.

The party held its monthly general meeting on Thursday, where several defectors and new politicians pledged their allegiance to the party. The Okaka meeting marked a significant milestone in the party’s growth and expansion in the locality. Over three hundred people attended the meeting.

While welcoming the new folks, Chief Femi Durodola, the Agoro of Okakaland, congratulated the new members and expressed satisfaction at the development which he described as “…awesome.” He congratulated both the defectors and new politicians into the party and assured them APC would ensure equitable recognition among all members, both old and new.

Durodola, a lawyer, congratulated both the defectors and new politicians on their decision to join the party and specifically assured them of equitable recognition and opportunities within the party.

The Chief whose message.was delivered by the Vice Chairman of the party, Mr. Suraj Oseni, said he had confidence in the various reformation policies of President Bola Tinubu “which explains why patriotic people across the country are either joining afresh or defecting to the APC everywhere in the country.”

He said the APC was “not just an ordinary party, but an ideology driven by principled and experienced politicians committed to human welfare and justice.”

Durodola said, “APC is not an ordinary party. It represents an ideology been excited by principled and experienced politicians who believe in human welfare and justice for the people and these represent my personal good message for you my people.”

The Agoro emphasized that the APC was built on a strong ideology and principles, with a focus on human welfare and justice. He stated that this was why some leaders had remained loyal to the party, refusing to abandon it for personal gains whatever be the circumstances.

“This is why some of leaders stay firm with you. At no time had we abandoned this party for another party since inception. We love you we believe in you and we are convinced of our programmes. We’re principled on our direction. We are not political jobbers who engage in public interest for personal intentions.”

He reiterated the party’s commitment to its founding principles and ideals, stating that they were not motivated by personal interests, but rather by a desire to serve the people. He assured members that the party was focused on its mandate and would not be swayed by distractions.

“We stand on the mandate of the Progressives and won’t let you down in our sincere chase for collective good. Be assured that God is on our side. Be assured too, that the spirits of our past leaders are backing our purpose and this party shall form the next government in Oyo State. I assure you.”

The Agoro expressed confidence that the party would emerge victorious in the 2027 elections, stating that the leaders of the party were driven by a desire for collective good and were guided by the principles of their past leaders.

The leader of the party in Okaka and first executive chairman of Itesiwaju Local Government, Hon. Thomas Olayode, expressed his joy at the pace of expansion of APC in the locality. Though not intentionally indisposed for the meeting, he related his message in a call noting that “Itesiwaju APC is the flagship for other parties in locality.”

Olayode emphasized that the party’s commitment to excellence was classic with evidence, noting that all efforts shall be put in place to ensure more people join the party soon.

“We’re not going to derail from our founding ideals that position our party as the leading entity and neither shall we buy into distraction both within and without. I urge all members to keep faith in us as we are resolved to take over power in Oyo State in 2027,” Olayode said.

The former awards-winning grassroots administrator then assured members that the party would remain focused on its founding ideals and would not be swayed by distractions, urging them to remain committed to the party’s goals.

In his message, Ambassador Debo Adesina, a former governorship aspirant sued for tolerance and respect for order and leadership saying APC is a party for every person whose plan for Nigeria is a just society where the rule of.law and justice dominate national aspirations.

“I plead for love, understanding and faith in our party. We all need to respect ourselves as members of the same political family. We need to respect ourselves especially leaders. We must embrace justice and loyalty to the party. On our part as leaders, we shall remain resolute as ever, ensuring the philosophy of our party is entrenched,” Adesina noted.

The journalist and former editor of the Guardian newspaper emphasized the importance of unity, love, and respect among party members, calling on leaders to lead by example and uphold the party’s philosophy.

Other leaders who spoke at the meeting include the Vice Chairman, Mr. Suraj Oseni who expressed his.happiness at welcoming new members into the party. He also gave members the assurance of equality and justice as principle that sustains the standard of the APC.

Earlier, Oseni had called for a minute silence for the repose of the soul of the departed legal adviser of the party in Okaka Ward 6, late Mr. Ibrahim Badmos who he described as “a loyal and diligent partyman who would never attend a factional meeting as against what a group said.”

He said, “I’m so happy today as the Vice Chairman of this great party to welcome you our new members into
our family. With this development today, APC in Itesiwaju can convince everyone that there’s no barrier anymore in our path to victory in 2027.”

“I’m particularly happy that the ranks of our great leaders such as Hon.Supo Olayode, Chief Femi Durodola, the Agoro of Okakaland and Ambassasor Debo Adesina are working tirelessly to ensure the strength of the party through ensuring unity and focus among members.”

He expressed gratitude to the leaders for their tireless efforts in promoting unity and focus among members.

“This party has grown beyond the mess of porridge and struggle for pettiness. We rely on God and the integrity of our leaders who have stayed with us in all circumstances, providing purposeful direction,” Oseni said.

Eminent personalities and leaders who equally spoke at the meeting include Alhaja Ajarat who enjoined all party members to go and register their membership in readiness for the 2027 general election.

Mr. Sunday Ayangbade who assured the meeting that nothing would stop the APC from capturing Oyo State in 2027, said all plans were already in place to ensure the success of APC in 2027.

Alhaji Bello, another speaker from Otu enjoined both new and old members of the party to remain confident that “there’s no faction in Itesiwaju” and assured “that everyone would come under the leadership of one purpose and love.”

Former councillor, Bello urged party members to remain united, stating that there were no factions within the party and that everyone would work together towards a common goal.