•as party holds stakeholders’ meeting in Osogbo

THE leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, on Wednesday, said it was determined to return to government in 2026.

The Osun APC leadership directed party officials in wards and local government areas across the State to resume meetings and other political activities in preparation for future elections.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting held in Osogbo, the acting State Chairman of the party, Alhaji Tajudeen Lawal said no effort would be spared to ensure return of the party to power and continue its good and people-centric leadership.

The meeting which was held at the instance of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola was aimed to bring together members of the party with a view to chart a new course for the progress and success of the party and its members.

Lawal who commended leaders and members of the party for their loyalty, resilience, perseverance and commitment throughout the litigation period, said right mechanisms had been set in motion to properly and genuinely restructure the party for the betterment of all.

According to him, the main motive behind the meeting was to restrategise and further foster unity between and among members of the party as they resolve to wrestle power from the incumbent government in the State.

“I want to start by appreciating our immediate past Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola for initiating this meeting. He was the one who facilitated this very important meeting.

“As we all know, this family meeting is very crucial particularly at a time like this that we have made frantic efforts to put our house in order and work towards reclaiming power from the incumbent administration.

“As a party, we recognise the fact that after the Supreme Court judgment, we have not met with a large house like this, so, this is to let the whole world know that we remain united, resolute and committed to strengthening the party, promote internal democracy and indeed, set the motion for the all-round success, progress, growth and development of our party and the State.

“I want to assure you all that former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola is solidly behind the party and he had promised to continue to support the party. Though what happened is divine and we have taken it in good faith as God’s will just as we believe strongly that our party, APC will come back to government soon.

“Let’s return to our various units, wards and councils to start mobilising our people across the nooks and crannies of the state as we know that the journey to reclaim the state for our party has begun right from now.

“I am assuring you all that this type of meeting will be coming regularly and we want to instruct you all to return to the party fully and begin to hold your ward and council meetings as usual.

“The doors of the state party secretariat are always open. Feel free to walk in anytime, everyone will be welcomed to share lofty ideas that can aid the progress of the party. This is not the time to fight but to remain united and build a formidable frontier. We are open to reconciliation and genuine moves to take the party to enviable heights.

“Our symbol is broom and we all know what it stands for. Let us continue to be our brother’s keepers. We are valiants and not cowards.

“God has been very faithful to us. What happened had happened but in reality, what we got in return was marvellous. Today, we are proud that we have president from our great party. This was achieved through our collective efforts. It is indeed a rare feat”, Lawal added.

Speaking on behalf of the party’s Elders Forum popularly called “Agba Osun”, Chief Kunle Odeyemi, said efforts would continue to be made to ensure the party remains united and formidable.

He said, “what we stand for is unity. We are for unity of purpose. We are for progress. Though the committee set-up for repositioning of the party has not reported back, but we should be conscious of our actions and inactions. We should avoid anything that can further divide us. We want more friends than enemies. We should know the meetings to attend at this time.”

In their separate remarks, the immediate past Chairman of Ifedayo Local Government, Hon. Biodun Idowu extolled members of the party for their commitment throughout the ‘thin and thick period’ just as he urged them to remain united as the party is ready to return to government.

“It is high time for us to resuscitate and stimulate activities of the party at the grassroots”, he added.

Speaking on behalf of the immediate past cabinet members, former Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Rasak Adeosun, called on members of the party to remain resolute in the collective interest to move the party forward.

He encouraged them to continually support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying what God had bestowed on Osun in particular, Yoruba and Nigeria in general was large enough to accommodate and serve the interest of all.