Alhaji Moshood Olayide Abas, a former local government chairman and acting chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, has addressed the party’s ongoing reconciliation efforts and preparations to reclaim the state in 2027.
In an interview with Yinka Oladoyinbo, Abas shared insights on APC’s internal issues, governance concerns, and future electoral strategies.
On the Perceived Silence in Oyo APC
Abas refuted claims that the party has been inactive, stating that APC has been working to resolve internal crises that contributed to its loss in the last general elections. He emphasized that since then, significant progress has been made to unite members and rebuild the party.
Efforts to Resolve Internal Crises
He credited the party’s reconciliation efforts to his experience as a former chairman of the APC’s reconciliation committee during the AD, AC, and ACN eras. “I won’t say the crises have been completely resolved, but we have achieved about 90% reconciliation,” Abas said. He expressed optimism that aggrieved members who left the party have returned after realizing they were heard and valued.
On Allegations of APC Members Supporting PDP
Abas acknowledged that some party members had worked with the PDP-led state government, describing such actions as part of a broader issue affecting Nigerian politics. “Political parties have turned into markets where people move based on what they can gain,” he remarked. However, he assured that APC is focused on transforming into a transparent and organized party, where imposition of candidates and favoritism will not be tolerated.
On the Federal Government’s Appointments and Policies
Responding to concerns about APC members being sidelined in federal appointments, Abas assured that efforts are ongoing to address the issue. He also defended President Bola Tinubu’s policies, noting that the economic challenges facing Nigerians are part of rebuilding a “collapsing structure.” According to him, “The present hardship is to secure a better future for our children and grandchildren.”
On PDP’s Governance in Oyo State
Abas criticized the PDP-led government in Oyo State, particularly its failure to grant autonomy to local governments. He emphasized the role local councils play in grassroots development, citing his tenure as a council chairman when roads, schools, and hospitals were built. “Any government that stifles local government administration contributes to poverty and underdevelopment,” he argued.
He also dismissed claims of significant achievements under Governor Seyi Makinde, describing governance in Oyo State as largely ineffective. “When APC was in power, we saw real development under former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, particularly in Ibadan,” Abas stated.
On APC’s Readiness for the 2027 Election
Abas expressed confidence in APC’s ability to reclaim Oyo State in the 2027 elections. He attributed the PDP’s 2019 victory to internal APC crises, which, according to him, have now been addressed. “We are not just ready for 2027; we are winning,” he declared. He also highlighted the popularity of the APC, evidenced by what he described as irregularities during the last local government elections.
Abas concluded that with the caliber of leaders now in APC and ongoing reconciliation efforts, the party is well-positioned to return to power in Oyo State and continue the development agenda initiated under Ajimobi’s administration. “We are bound to win and take back Agodi Government House,” he affirmed.
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