Osun LG Poll: 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.
