By Joy Odor
An Army Colonel (rtd), Gbenga Adegbola, who recently joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), was received by Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the National Chairman of the party.
Speaking to journalists at the APC Secretariat in Abuja, Adegbola affirmed his commitment to ensuring APC’s victory in Oyo State in 2027, producing a Governor, House of Representatives, Senate, and other officials at local and national levels.
Adegbola reiterated his support for APC’s bid to unseat other parties in Oyo State.
He also expressed his wholehearted commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The retired Colonel informed that he has approximately 3,000 supporters in his ward, Oyo North, and over 10,000 supporters at the local government level, noting that with his presence in APC, he envisions millions of supporters.
“Without much ado, I want to thank the almighty God for bringing us this far. I want to wholeheartedly and highly commit to the renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President. We will do everything possible to make sure that we make Oyo State by 2027 an APC state.
“We will do everything humanity possible by the special grace of God, that all nooks and crannies of Oyo State, we have been able to get assured through the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
“He has given us his words and encouragement. That is why we thank the Almighty for bringing us this far. Subsequently, you will be hearing from us. I want to thank the Oyo State executives that followed me down now and some senior military officers” he noted.
Earlier, National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje welcomed Adegbola to the party, describing his joining as historic for Oyo State politics.
Ganduje assured Adegbola that he would bring more discipline to the party and confirmed him as a full member with equal status to older members.
Ganduje also explained that the party’s blueprint for the South West geo-political zone in 2027 is tagged “political homogeneity,” aiming to make Oyo and Osun state APC strongholds.
By your coming to our party, you are increasing the strength of our party, especially with young people that are coming with you to our party. We assure you as a full member of our party, we will give you every opportunity. You have the same ststus with all the older members of the party.
“This is a happy moment. This is historic as far as Oyo State politics is concerned. I am happy that the retired Colonel knows the rules and regulations of the party. You are behaving as if you have been in the party for years.
“He first went to his unit, then the ward and local government to register, before he went to the state. This explains why the leaders of the state are here with him at the National Secretariat. I am not surprised, because a retired military officer is always a disciplined man.
“He will bring more discipline to our party. We thank you for coming to APC and we assure you that you are now a full member of our party.
“By this declaration, you have the privilege, opportunities and the chance to contest for any position in the party. If you decide to contest elections, an edible environment is guaranteed. You are free to contest for any office you so wish.
“Our blueprint for the South West geo-political zone for 2027 is tagged “political homogeneity”. In other words, the South West according to our blueprint, we will work hard and with the help of Allah (SWT) and the people of the state, Oyo will be an APC State in 2027. Other States in the zone that is off the hook – Osun state will also be an APC State. That is what we meant by political homogeneity” he stressed.
