On Thursday, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State revealed a significant decline in its local governance representation, having lost 27 of its former Local Government leaders since 2019. This disturbing trend was highlighted by Ayodeji Abass-Alesinloye, the former state chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, during a gathering of Forum 68—an assembly formed by former Executive Chairmen of Local Government in the state. The forum met at ALGON House in Ibadan, where Alesinloye shared that this loss included four former council chairmen, four vice chairmen, and a staggering 19 councillors over the past five years. He lamented the diminishing strength of the party, specifically noting that out of 746 past elected officials from the administration of the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, many committed members had been lost.
Alesinloye explained that Forum 68 was born out of necessity, emerging from the collective political experience of its members. The formation was spurred by the actions taken by the current Governor Seyi Makinde, who, upon taking office, had dissolved the elected local councils—a move he described as both illegal and unconstitutional. He stated that the governor’s actions were not only spontaneous but also disregarded democratic principles. This dissolution was later declared null and void by the Supreme Court of Nigeria in May 2021, which also ordered the payment of the affected officials’ salaries and entitlements. Alesinloye dedicated this legal victory to the memory of Ajimobi, signifying his respect for the late governor’s contributions to the party and the state.
Addressing the concept of local government autonomy, Alesinloye emphasized its importance for fostering grassroots development and national growth. He expressed the APC’s support for autonomy as a fundamental requirement for societal improvement. However, he cautioned that the recent ruling by the Supreme Court in the case of the Federal Government versus State Governments should not be perceived merely as a procedural shift between different levels of government. Instead, he viewed it as a vital call to action, urging citizens to engage actively in the electoral process and ensuring adherence to transparency, integrity, and accountability in local governance. Alesinloye highlighted that citizen participation is essential in the oversight of elections, budget allocations, and implementation of projects.
In his response, the acting chairman of the Oyo State APC, Olayide Abas, urged unity among party members to restore the APC’s standing and reputation in the upcoming elections. He stressed the need for collaboration amongst party leaders and their supporters to chart a course toward regaining the party’s influence and “lost glory.” Abas’s call for solidarity resonates with the overarching sentiment within the party that a unified front is necessary to address the challenges ahead and to regain trust and support from the electorate following the losses described by Alesinloye.
The Forum 68 gathering attracted notable figures, including Senator Ayoade Adeseun and former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Asimiyu Alarape. The presence of these dignitaries, along with party officials and past political officeholders, reflects the importance of this assembly in galvanizing support and strategizing for future political endeavors. The forum, while focused on the challenges faced by the party due to lost members, also aimed at fostering a renewed commitment to the core values of the APC and the principles of democratic governance.
As Oyo State approaches future elections, the APC is confronted with the dual challenge of reclaiming its political capital and addressing the implications of the recent losses articulated by Alesinloye. The call for local government autonomy and increased public engagement is vital for revitalizing grassroots support and ensuring that local governance aligns with the needs of the citizens. Alesinloye’s address underscores a critical turning point for the APC in Oyo State as they seek to not only recover from past setbacks but also to reinforce the foundations of democracy and public service within their political framework.
