A gubernatorial hopeful in Oyo State, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan has on Thursday led hundreds of his supporters from Accord, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) into the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).
This move was said to be part of his own strategy of positioning himself as the 2019 general elections approach.
The event, which was held at IMG School, Total Garden area, Ibadan witnessed the presence of APC executives, leaders and prominent members of APC at state and at local levels. Among them were Ibadan North APC Chairman, Alhaja Tinuade Adigun, Bello Adeleke (BAO), Hon. Peju Esan, state Financial Secretary, Kayode Abanla, state Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, House of Assembly member, Hon. Olusegun Olaleye, and Hon. Lasunmade Adebunmi.
In his message, APC Chairman in the state, Chief Akin Oke, who was represented by the state’s Publicity Secretary of the party, Olawale Sadare welcomed Engr. Olaniyan and other decampees into the fold of APC in the state.
He stated that the All Progressives Congress is a party for all those ready to maintain peace and discipline, as it has been its custom in Oyo State.
Chief Oke implored the new members to ensure that attending ward meeting is a priority, noting that influence from the top echelon of the party in the country does not guarantee automatic membership; rather, recognition at ward level is the only criterion that determines party membership.
He advised them not to make ambition a frontline agenda; rather, they should look for a way to move the party forward. He also charged all members to always embark on what will sustain peace, harmony and cooperation in the party.
Engr. AbdulRauf Olaniyan, in his short address, noted that he was overwhelmed with the level of acceptance he got in APC noting that he would work seriously for the progress of the party.
He reiterated his commitment as well as that of his people towards the development of the party in the state and at local government levels.
APC Chairman in Ibadan North Local Government, Alhaja Tinuade Adigun reaffirmed the cooperation of all members of the party irrespective of whether you are old or new.
Some of those led into APC by Engineer Olaniyan included Iyafin Erelu Jayeoba, Adebimpe Kareem, Hon. Yinka Oladimeji, Hon. Kola Busari Hon. Romoke Kareem, Hon. Tunde Amusan, Saka Rashidi, Hon. Ige Afolabi, Hon. Akeem Salam and Alhaji Omirinde.
Packaged by Kunle Gazali
