Folarin meets APC excos, joins leaders to receive APM defectors

Former Senate Leader and Oyo State Coordinator of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Teslim Kolawole Folarin, has called on aggrieved members and stakeholders of the party in Oyo State to put aside their differences, close ranks and work collectively towards securing victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and all APC candidates in the 2027 general elections.

Senator Folarin made the appeal during a meeting with members of the Oyo State APC Executive Committee at the party’s State Secretariat, Oke-Ado, Ibadan, where he emphasised the urgent need for reconciliation, mutual respect, party discipline and collective commitment ahead of the forthcoming electoral contests.

The former Senate Leader urged party leaders and members to rise above personal grievances, internal disagreements and competing interests, stressing that the APC’s collective strength and electoral prospects must take precedence over individual considerations.

He maintained that genuine reconciliation, inclusiveness and sustained engagement among party stakeholders remained critical to building a formidable political platform capable of delivering electoral victories across Oyo State.

“I am fully committed to the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the success of all APC candidates in Oyo State in the 2027 general elections,” Senator Folarin declared.

Senator Folarin, who also serves as the Oyo State Ambassador for Renewed Hope, described President Tinubu as a leader deserving of respect and loyalty, urging party members to uphold the principles of discipline, mutual understanding and respect for constituted leadership.

He stressed that the party could only achieve its electoral objectives through unity of purpose, coordinated political activities and the willingness of stakeholders to place collective interests above personal differences.

According to him, the approaching general elections present an opportunity for APC members to demonstrate political maturity, rebuild confidence, strengthen existing structures and consolidate the party’s support base across the 33 local government areas of Oyo State.

In a related development, Senator Folarin joined the Oyo State APC leadership to formally receive former councillors who served between 2021 and 2024 under the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) into the APC.

The reception marked another step in the party’s ongoing efforts to broaden its membership, accommodate political stakeholders and consolidate its grassroots structures ahead of the 2027 elections.

Senator Folarin welcomed the new entrants and encouraged them to work harmoniously with existing party members, stressing that the APC remained committed to building an inclusive political organisation in which every member could contribute meaningfully to its collective success.

He further urged party faithful to sustain the spirit of reconciliation and cooperation, noting that electoral success would require the active participation of leaders, stakeholders, grassroots mobilisers and ordinary members across the state.

In his remarks, the Oyo State APC Chairman, Chief Moses Alake, commended Senator Folarin for embracing reconciliation and demonstrating his commitment to peace and unity within the party.

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“We appreciate Senator Teslim Folarin for sheathing his sword and embracing peace. Your decision is important to strengthening unity within our party as we prepare for the forthcoming elections,” the State Chairman stated.

Chief Alake described the development as a significant contribution towards strengthening internal cohesion and positioning the APC for the electoral contests ahead.

Shortly after the engagement with the State Executive Committee, Senator Folarin held a separate meeting with Local Government Ambassadors for Renewed Hope, during which he charged them to intensify grassroots mobilisation and door-to-door campaigns across their respective local government areas.

He emphasised the importance of sustained voter engagement, effective communication of the Tinubu administration’s policies and achievements, and closer interaction with communities at the ward and polling-unit levels.

The former Senate Leader urged the ambassadors to strengthen their mobilisation structures, engage directly with voters and work closely with party executives and other stakeholders to deepen public support for the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a move aimed at strengthening the coordination and operational structure of the APC Presidential Campaign Council in Oyo State, Senator Folarin also announced key appointments.

Those appointed are: Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle — State Deputy Coordinator; Hon. Yinka Taiwo — Assistant State Coordinator; Engr. Idris Adeoye – Director of Budget, Finance and Resource Management; Hon. Afeez Bolaji Repete — Secretary; and Hon. Gbenga Olayemi — Director, Inter-Party Affairs.

Senator Folarin charged the appointees to discharge their responsibilities with dedication, loyalty and a strong sense of commitment to the party’s electoral objectives.

He reiterated that the immediate priority of the APC in Oyo State must be to consolidate internal unity, strengthen grassroots structures, expand the party’s membership and mobilise widespread support for President Tinubu’s re-election and the success of all APC candidates in 2027.

He reaffirmed his commitment to working with the State Executive Committee, party leaders, stakeholders and members at all levels to build a united, disciplined and election-ready APC in Oyo State.