"We Must Chase PDP, Accord Out of Power — APC Boasts at Progressives E-Group End-of-Year Dinner”

 

The Progressives E-Group, a prominent political forum within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, has held its end-of-year meeting and political discourse, focusing on strategies for repositioning the party ahead of the 2026 governorship and 2027 general elections.

The discourse, themed “After a Successful Primary Election: What Are The Next Steps For Osun APC To Win the 2026/2027 Elections?”, brought together party leaders, former government officials, professionals, and key stakeholders across the state.

Participants at the meeting unanimously stressed the need for unity within the APC, noting that all aspirants who participated in the party’s last primary election were eminently qualified. Speakers maintained that the overriding task before the party is to reclaim power from the incumbent administration.

Among those who made contributions were Dotun Babafemi, Special Adviser to former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola on Mineral Resources; Engr. Felix; Kayode Olaniji, former Chief Press Secretary to an ex-Osun governor; Ismael Omipidan; former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Kehinde Ayantunji; Mr. Mogaji Kola Olabisi; Comrade Ogundare; Comrade Taoreed Omoomi; and Hon. Olukemi Oluga.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the occasion and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency, Mr. Isiaka Gboyega Oyetola, ably represented by former commissioner for works Remi Omowaiye, described the gathering as timely, urging party members to place collective interest above personal ambition as the party prepares for future electoral contests.

Former Chief Press Secretary to an ex-Osun governor, Ismail Omipidan, took a reflective approach, highlighting the broader internal issues that contributed to the party’s past electoral setback. Drawing from his memoir titled “Persona Non Grata,” Omipidan identified anti-party activities and indiscipline as major factors that eroded cohesion within the APC and ultimately led to the party losing its bearing.

According to him, addressing these internal lapses is critical to rebuilding trust, restoring party discipline, and positioning the APC as a formidable force ahead of the next election cycle.

Engr. Remi Omowaiye, a former Commissioner, said he attended the meeting in full capacity following personal encouragement from Governor Oyetola. He emphasized the historical bond among members of the group, noting that despite differing opinions on certain issues, the APC remains one family in Osun State.

“We may not always agree on numbers or issues, but we are one family in Osun. It is our collective responsibility to chase the PDP and Accord Party out of power in the state,” Omowaiye stated.

Reflecting on the achievements of the immediate past administration, Omowaiye recalled that the Oyetola-led government recruited about 1,500 teachers despite experiencing periods of reduced federal allocation. He contrasted this with the current administration, alleging that it has failed to recruit teachers despite collecting fees from applicants.

He also criticized the handling of infrastructure projects by the present government, citing instances of poorly executed road projects that were later washed away. 

Drawing from his experience as Commissioner for Works, Omowaiye highlighted Osun’s strategic assets, including what he described as favourable aviation weather in Ido-Osun, expressing concern over reported plans to relocate the project.

“How do you explain a government that awards road construction contracts to companies known mainly for supplying fertilizer and ICT services?” he queried, adding that Osun State deserves competent leadership capable of managing its complexity and developmental needs.

The meeting concluded with a call for sustained engagement, grassroots mobilization, and strategic planning to strengthen the APC’s chances in future elections, as members pledged renewed commitment to the party’s revival in Osun State.