President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has advised chieftains and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State to close ranks and work together in order to reclaim the state in 2027.
He noted that the state is too important to be missing among the progressive fold.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, made this assertion during the maiden edition of Lam Adesina annual lecture held in Ibadan, the state capital on Monday.
The event was attended by former governors of Ekiti State, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo and Dr Kayode Fayemi, Senator Teslim Folarin, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, Chief Iyiola Oladokun, Chief Alake Adeyemo and the APC Chairman in the state, Alhaji Olayide Abas.
Others are the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Apostle Sunday Popoola, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin, Barrister Bayo Shittu, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan, Elder Wole Oyelese, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, Sen. Adesoji Akanbi, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, Chief Akin Oke and Professor Adeolu Akande.
It was reported that Adesina was the governor of the state between May 1999 and May 2003.
The APC lost the state to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2019 and 2023 general elections.
The minister noted that the best way to honor the former governor is to ensure that the leaders of the party work as one in a bid to reclaim the state in the next elections.
He said, “Lam Adesina stood for high democratic ideals that underpin the democratic system of government. Ideals that are essential for ensuring that power is held by the people, either directly or through elected representatives.
“Ideals of effective participation in governance with citizens making their views known on policy decisions.
“Consequently, to honour his memory, the Progressives in Oyo State must come together as one. You all must fight the fight and win the battle. Come 2027, Oyo State must return to the progressive fold.”
The Senate leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, who spoke through Senator Shuaib Salisu in his remarks, emphasised the need for Nigerians to rediscover the value system which would encourage citizens to be more responsible.
