APC Denied Me Ticket Despite Being Best Candidate — Saheed Oladele

A former chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Oyo State governorship aspirant, Saheed Oladele, has said his decision to leave the party was informed by what he described as the denial of its governorship ticket despite being widely regarded within the party as the best option.

Oladele, who recently defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), made the disclosure during an interview on Fresh FM’s political programme, Political Circuit, anchored by Mayor Isaac Brown.

Speaking on the circumstances surrounding his exit from the APC after about 12 years, Oladele said internal party conversations and feedback suggested he was considered a strong contender for the governorship ticket in Oyo State, but was eventually sidelined.

“Quitting APC, from the letter I wrote my declaration of intent, I said I chose conviction over convenience, because if all of us stay in our comfort zones, this country will not become the country of our dreams,” he said.

He added that indications from within the party hierarchy pointed to strong grassroots support for his candidacy, especially among youths, but that did not translate into ticket consideration.

“They said I was the best person they had in Oyo State for governorship. They also said they knew the youths really liked me and that I had a good name among the masses, but they still said they would not give me the ticket,” he said.

Oladele said after multiple confirmations of his exclusion from the party’s ticket race, he decided to explore other political options where he felt more appreciated.

“If I am your best but I am not good enough to get your ticket, then I should try something else,” he said.

He explained that his eventual move to the SDP came after he was introduced to key figures in the party, whom he described as aligned with his ideology and vision.

He said, “Somebody called me and told me there is a very honest woman in Nigeria whose ideology aligns with mine. That was how I met Hon. Mulikat Adeola-Akande. When she saw me, she said, this is the kind of person we are looking for.”

Oladele also noted that his interactions with the SDP leadership further convinced him to defect.

“I met the state chairman, Mr Ogunlade, and I saw a very fantastic human being. So I felt if I am not wanted where I spent almost 12 years, then I should try a new possibility,” he said.

He added that his decision was guided by ideology and a belief in youth inclusion in politics, stressing that the SDP represents a fresh opportunity for political participation in the state.

Using a Yoruba proverb, he said rejection in one place can become acceptance in another, noting that his new political home values his ambition and vision.