An All Progressives Congress strongman in Oyo State, Chief Ismail Akinade Fijabi has pronounced that it will be almost impossible to stop whoever the incumbent governor of the state, Engineer Seyi Makinde anoints as next occupier of the Agodi Government House in 2027.
His submission was premised on the fact that APC, as currently composed is a vastly disunited party adding that injustice is prevalent there.
The astute Ibadan-born businessman made this pronouncement while featuring on a popular radio show anchored by Abolade Salami on Fresh 105.9fm Ibadan on Sunday morning.
During the radio show monitored by PMParrot, Fijabi, whose son, Honourable Saheed Fijabi was in the House of Representatives twice, clearly cited the example of the gubernatorial candidate of the party at the last election, Senator Teslim Folarin.
His words: “Tessy (Teslim Folarin) is being unjustly treated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and APC. He was our candidate at the last election. He has not been given anything while someone who left us for another party and worked against us was recognised.
He added that a lot of lies and political ‘shoot-him-down’ moves have been made against Teslim Folarin and this is why the President Bola Tinubu-led elders in the party have refused to recognise the former Senator.
“So, those going about holding different meetings and saying they are moving the party forward are just fooling themselves. The party is heavily polarised in the state. Moreover, there is no leader.
“They are boasting that they went to Chief Bisi Akande in Osun State to hold meetings. They are just playing. Any meeting that does not have people like my good self, Senator Teslim Folarin, even my son, Honourable Saheed Akinade Fijabi and others cannot be recognised. Tessy is still in control of the delegates of the party”.
When asked about his relationship with Governor Makinde, Fijabi quipped “he is doing greatly well. He has succeeded in transforming the state. Yes, some people may have their reservations, that is for them. As for me and my household, I believe Makinde, our Oga is doing very well.
“As things stand today, it will be almost impossible for anyone to defeat his anointed candidate during the gubernatorial election in Oyo State in 2027 even if he anoints a dog!
“I seriously believe that this will happen because Oyo APC is in shreds today as we are talking. Those who left the party and came back should be asked to go and queue up again”.
When asked to name other qualified candidates in Oyo APC that can be encouraged to join the Oyo gubernatorial race in 2027 apart from Power Minister, Chief Adebayo Adelabu and Senator Teslim Folarin, Fijabi said “we have other wonderful folks like my son, Hon Saheed Akindade Fijabi, Senator Sharafadeen Alli and Honourable Remi Oseni.”
The Ekefa Olubadan of Ibadanland also used the opportunity to advice politicians to give due respect to Oba Rashidi Ladoja at all times.
“Oba Ladoja is there for us to consult when we are faced with challenges. He is now a foremost traditional personality and is no longer a partisan politician”.
Packaged by Alice Egbedele
