OSUN: WHY APGA
WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE SATURDAY LG ELECTION – WOLE ADEDOYIN – APGA CHAIRMAN
Wole Adedoyin is a Prince from the
Bilagbayo ruling house of Ilesa, currently serves as the Osun State Chairman of
the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). A former governorship candidate in
the 2018 Osun Governorship election under the Hope Democratic Party (HDP),
Adedoyin, in this interview with Osun Times,
discusses APGA's decision to participate in the upcoming local government
election on Saturday.
OSUN TIMES: GOOD DAY, MR. ADEDOYIN. LET’S BEGIN BY TALKING ABOUT YOUR
PARTY’S DECISION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE UPCOMING LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION. WHAT
INFLUENCED THIS DECISION?
WOLE ADEDOYIN:
APGA has always been committed to grassroots governance, and we firmly believe
that local governments are the foundation of effective governance in any state.
In fact, we were the first party to call for the Local Government election in
Osun State back in 2023. Our decision to participate is rooted in our
commitment to serving the people and ensuring that leadership at the local
level reflects the true aspirations of the people.
OSUN TIMES: WITH THE CURRENT SECURITY SITUATION IN OSUN STATE AND THE
ONGOING LOCAL GOVERNMENT TAKEOVER CRISIS, DO YOU THINK THE ELECTION WILL HOLD
AS PLANNED?
WOLE ADEDOYIN: The
security situation is definitely a concern for everyone. However, we believe
that with the concerted efforts of the state government, OSSIEC, and the
security agencies, the election can hold peacefully. Of course, we will be
monitoring the situation closely, and should there be any threat to the safety
of our members or the electorate, we will advise our people to stay at home.
Protecting lives is our number one priority.
OSUN TIMES: GOVERNOR ADELEKE HAS SET A PRECEDENT BY CONDUCTING THE
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION DURING HIS TENURE RATHER THAN POSTPONING IT LIKE HIS
PREDECESSOR DID. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS?
WOLE ADEDOYIN: I
commend Governor Adeleke for this decision. It’s a sign of his commitment to local
governance and the rule of law. By conducting the election during his tenure,
he is ensuring that the democratic process is respected, which is a departure
from the practice of postponing local elections for political reasons, as we
saw in the past. This is the kind of leadership that strengthens our democracy.
OSUN TIMES: IS APGA COLLABORATING WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF THE DAY OR ANY
OTHER POLITICAL PARTY FOR THIS ELECTION?
WOLE ADEDOYIN: APGA
remains neutral in this election. There is no collaboration with the government
of the day or any other political party. We believe that political independence
is crucial, and as a party, we stand on our own. We are APGA, and we are not in
the bondage of any government or political alliance. Our loyalty is to the
people of Osun State, and our goal is to offer them better governance through a
transparent and effective local government system.
OSUN TIMES: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE APGA’S POLITICAL STANCE COMPARED TO
OTHER POLITICAL PARTIES IN NIGERIA?
WOLE ADEDOYIN: APGA
is unique in many ways. We stand for grassroots democracy, integrity, and the
welfare of the people. While other political parties are often caught in the
web of national politics, APGA has always focused on building leadership from
the bottom up. We have a brilliant, intelligent, and friendly National leader in
His Excellency, Gov. Charles Soludo, the Executive Governor of Anambra State,
who embodies the party's values of service and commitment to the Nigerian
people.
OSUN TIMES: IN THE EVENT OF SECURITY CHALLENGES ON FRIDAY OR SATURDAY,
WHAT MEASURES WILL APGA TAKE?
WOLE ADEDOYIN: If
security becomes a concern, we will prioritize the safety of our members and
the public. We will advise our members and the electorate to stay at home to
avoid any harm. The safety of the people is paramount, and we believe that no
election is worth risking lives for.
OSUN TIMES: WE UNDERSTAND THAT OVER 15 POLITICAL PARTIES ARE
PARTICIPATING IN THIS ELECTION. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE COMPETITION?
WOLE ADEDOYIN: The
fact that over 15 political parties are participating in the local government
election shows the vibrancy of our democracy. It’s a healthy development, and
we believe that competition is good for the electoral process. It provides the
electorate with a variety of choices, and we, as APGA, are confident that our
ideas, values, and commitment to the people will resonate with the voters.
OSUN TIMES: CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THE ROLE OF THE INTERPARTY
ADVISORY COUNCIL (IPAC) IN THIS ELECTION?
WOLE ADEDOYIN: The
Interparty Advisory Council (IPAC) plays an important role in ensuring that the
election is free, fair, and credible. As a member of IPAC, we are actively
involved in discussions regarding the election process and security measures.
The council’s involvement ensures that all parties, including APGA, have a
platform to voice concerns and work towards a transparent election.
OSUN TIMES: HOW CONFIDENT ARE YOU IN THE SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE
ELECTION, CONSIDERING THE ASSURANCES FROM GOVERNOR ADELEKE, OSSIEC, AND
SECURITY AGENCIES?
WOLE ADEDOYIN: We
have received assurances from Governor Adeleke, OSSIEC, and the security
agencies that measures have been put in place to ensure a peaceful election.
While we remain vigilant, we are hopeful that the security situation will be
well-managed. Our trust in these institutions is crucial to the success of the
election.
OSUN TIMES: THIS IS THE FIRST TIME APGA IS PARTICIPATING IN A LOCAL
GOVERNMENT ELECTION IN OSUN STATE. HOW PREPARED IS YOUR PARTY FOR THIS
ELECTION?
WOLE ADEDOYIN: APGA
has invested significantly in this election. We have been working tirelessly,
mobilizing our members, and ensuring that our candidates are prepared. This is
a milestone for us, and we are fully prepared for the election. There is no
going back; APGA is in this election to win and to make an impact.
OSUN TIMES: WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO THE GOVERNMENT REGARDING THE CONDUCT
OF THE ELECTION?
WOLE ADEDOYIN: We
urge the government to ensure that this election is free, fair, and credible.
The integrity of the electoral process must be upheld, and all candidates
should be given a fair chance to compete. We believe that a free and fair
election will strengthen the democratic process in Osun State.
OSUN TIMES: APGA HAS OFTEN BEEN DESCRIBED AS THE PARTY THAT CONTROLS
ANAMBRA STATE. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF GOVERNOR CHARLES
SOLUDO IN ANAMBRA?
WOLE ADEDOYIN: Governor
Soludo’s performance in Anambra State has been commendable. He has shown that
APGA can deliver effective governance at the state level. His developmental
initiatives, particularly in infrastructure and security, are praiseworthy, and
we believe that APGA’s strong leadership in Anambra can be replicated in other
states, including Osun.
OSUN TIMES: CAN YOU SPEAK ON THE EFFORTS OF YOUR NATIONAL CHAIRMAN,
BARR. SYLVESTER EZEOKENWA, IN PROMOTING THE PARTY?
WOLE ADEDOYIN: Barr.
Sylvester Ezeokenwa has been a remarkable leader. His vision, leadership, and
tireless efforts in promoting APGA both nationally and internationally have
been crucial in strengthening the party. Under his leadership, we have seen a
remarkable increase in membership and support, and his dedication to the
party’s growth is an inspiration to all of us.
OSUN TIMES: I UNDERSTAND THAT APGA IS CURRENTLY RUNNING A DIGITAL
MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION. CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT IT?
WOLE ADEDOYIN: Yes,
we are currently running a digital membership registration campaign. We
understand the importance of reaching people across different platforms, and
this digital initiative allows us to register new members in a more efficient
and modern way. If anyone is interested in joining APGA, they can contact the
party through our registration number: 08072673852.
OSUN TIMES: HOW PREPARED IS APGA FOR THE 2026 GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION IN
OSUN STATE?
WOLE ADEDOYIN: APGA
is already laying the groundwork for the 2026 Governorship election. We are
focusing on strengthening our party structure, increasing our membership, and
engaging the people of Osun State. We are committed to offering credible leadership
and are optimistic about the future.
OSUN TIMES: WHAT CHALLENGES HAS APGA FACED LEADING UP TO THIS ELECTION,
AND HOW HAVE YOU OVERCOME THEM?
WOLE ADEDOYIN: Like
many political parties, we have faced challenges related to funding, logistics,
and mobilization. However, we have overcome these challenges by staying focused
on our goals and relying on the support of our dedicated members. APGA is a
party built on integrity, and we are committed to making this election a
success despite any obstacles.
OSUN TIMES: WHAT MESSAGE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEND TO THE PEOPLE OF OSUN
STATE AHEAD OF THE ELECTION?
WOLE ADEDOYIN: I
urge the people of Osun State to come out and vote for the candidates who will
serve them with honesty, integrity, and dedication. APGA is here to represent
the people at the grassroots level, and we promise to be responsive to your
needs. Your vote is your voice, and we encourage you to make it count.
OSUN TIMES: HOW DO YOU ENVISION THE FUTURE OF APGA IN OSUN STATE?
WOLE ADEDOYIN: The
future of APGA in Osun State is bright. We are committed to expanding our base
and ensuring that our policies resonate with the people. With the support of
the people, we will continue to grow and contribute to the development of Osun
State.
OSUN TIMES: ANY FINAL WORDS TO CONCLUDE THIS INTERVIEW?
WOLE ADEDOYIN: I
want to thank the people of Osun State for their continued support. APGA is a
party of the people, and we will continue to work tirelessly for their
betterment. I also want to remind everyone to prioritize their safety as they
go out to vote. Together, we will make Osun State a better place for all. Thank
you.