The Public Relations Officer for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Olawale Sadare, spoke with Ademola Adegbite about the party’s victory in the presidential election and its prospects in the upcoming governorship race. He highlighted that the APC won all 33 local government areas in Oyo, despite the state being governed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). “We were very optimistic that our party would record a fantastic outing in the presidential election,” Sadare said, noting that the party fielded a formidable candidate in Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. He also mentioned strong senatorial candidates—Sharafadeen Alli for Oyo South, Yunus Akintunde for Oyo Central, and Fatai Buhari for Oyo North, who secured a third term. In addition, the APC presented impressive candidates for the House of Representatives across all 14 constituencies, boasting the best combination of individuality, track records, and experience.
When asked whether Governor Seyi Makinde’s alleged support contributed to the APC’s success, Sadare dismissed the rumors. “Makinde is a member and leader of the PDP in Oyo State. He has never publicly declared support for our party, nor is there any video or text showing him campaigning for the APC,” he explained. He acknowledged speculation that Makinde might have worked “underground” due to grievances within the G‑5 coalition, but insisted that politics is not hidden and that no concrete evidence exists of Makinde sponsoring APC campaigns. “The fact remains that God crowns the efforts of the APC in Oyo State, and we are grateful that our candidates won,” he added.
Regarding the composition of the state’s delegation, Sadare reported that the APC currently holds eight of the fourteen seats in the House of Representatives, with the PDP holding four and two seats (Oluyole and Ibadan South East) still pending due to inconclusive results. He emphasized that every individual who supported the APC deserves credit for the victory, attributing the success to hard work and strong candidates.
Looking ahead to the governorship election on March 11, Sadare expressed confidence that the APC will replicate its presidential triumph. “We have dotted all the i’s and are optimistic that Oyo State will be in safe hands again,” he said, naming Teslim Folarin as the party’s candidate who will unseat the incumbent and enable the APC to retake the state assembly. He warned that the party cannot afford to remain in opposition now that Tinubu has been elected president.
On the possibility of alliances, Sadare confirmed that the APC is already engaging with several interested parties. “Immediately after winning the presidential election, our leaders swung into action, and the process is going smoothly. We must win, and we cannot take chances,” he asserted. He called on all stakeholders, including those from the PDP, to join forces with the APC to “rescue the state” in the governorship and House of Assembly elections.
When pressed about Governor Makinde’s performance, Sadare was unequivocal in his criticism. He argued that Makinde has failed in governance, citing shortcomings in security, healthcare, waste management, agriculture, and infrastructure. He described the remodeled Lekan Salami stadium as an “eyesore” and condemned the state bus terminal as a misallocation of resources that benefits only a corrupt wing of the PDP. “If you know of any tangible achievement by Makinde in the last four years, convince me and I will apologise,” he challenged.
Sadare also dismissed Makinde’s populist claims, noting that paying statutory salaries is a basic duty, not a merit. He argued that the governor has not created an enabling environment for investors, failed to generate job opportunities for graduates, and generally harmed the state’s economy. Regarding the G‑5 coalition, Sadare suggested that its ideology backfired, pitting the governor against party members and chieftains, and that the PDP’s crisis ultimately paved the way for Tinubu’s emergence.
Finally, Sadare addressed rumors of a deal between Tinubu and Makinde. He portrayed Tinubu’s visit to Oyo as a courteous, routine engagement between two Yoruba leaders, not a political bargain. “Tinubu is the national leader of the party and would never act anti‑party,” he affirmed, adding that anyone outside the APC who believes Tinubu is the best leader is welcome to support him.
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