OYAF Seeks Greater Inclusion in APM, Pledges Loyalty to Party
By Adewale Owoade
A group of political aspirants under the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Oyo State, operating under the banner of the Oyo State Aspirants Forum (OYAF), has called for greater inclusiveness within the party structure to strengthen unity and mobilise support ahead of future elections.
The aspirants made the call during a meeting at the residence of party chieftain, Alhaji Adebisi Olopoeniyan, where members of the forum sought guidance on sustaining their political structures within the party.
One of the aspirants, Dr. Amoda Afeez said the initiative was conceived to prevent aspirants and their supporters from defecting to other political parties after primary elections.
According to him, members of the forum, who had previously contested elective positions, still possess strong grassroots structures capable of contributing significantly to the party’s future electoral success.
Afeeze explained that the group decided to unite under one platform to preserve its political networks and work collectively for the growth and success of the party across the state.
He said the visit to Olopoeniyan was aimed at seeking his support and intervention in engaging Governor Seyi Makinde on ways to accommodate and encourage loyal party members.
He added that members of the forum were optimistic about the outcome of their consultations, expressing confidence that positive results would emerge from engagements with party stakeholders.
Also speaking, a member of the forum from Lagelu Local Government Area, Alhaja Oluwatoyin Fatima Oyebori Oluwa, said the group remained committed to supporting the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde and ensuring the party’s continued success.
She described the forum as a platform built on unity, mutual support and shared political aspirations, adding that members were determined to work together towards achieving common goals.
Oyebori Oluwa noted that members of the forum command considerable support across their constituencies and local government areas, stressing that their grassroots influence could be verified through their mobilisation efforts and regular meetings.
Another member of the forum, Hon. Adenowo Oluwaseun Abiodun, described the meeting as fruitful and reaffirmed the group’s support for Governor Makinde’s leadership.
Abiodun said the forum was determined to change the narrative in which unsuccessful aspirants abandon or work against their party after primaries.
He said members had instead resolved to remain united and contribute to strengthening the party ahead of future elections.
In their separate remarks, the State Chairman of the party, Otunba Fagbemi Adegbenro, and Alhaji Adebisi Olopoeniyan urged the aspirants to remain hopeful, focused, and committed to the collective progress of the party.
They further encouraged members to sustain their engagement with key stakeholders within the party, expressing confidence that their consultations would produce positive outcomes for both the forum and the APM.
Other members of the forum are, Moshood Ismail Abioye, Alhaja Olanrewaju Temitope, Hon Rasaq Boladale Raheem, Tosin David, and Matthew Ajao Okeowo.