President Bola Tinubu urges Oyo APC members to unite, honouring Senator Ajimobi’s legacy and strengthening the party ahead of 2027 elections

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State to unite and strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing such cohesion as the best tribute to the late Senator Abiola Ajimobi.

Also read: Oyo Governor mourns Bayelsa deputy Governor Ewhrudjakpo

The President was represented by the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Dr Zacheus Adedeji, at the 8th Senator Abiola Ajimobi Roundtable, themed, “Pathways to Electoral Credibility: Performing Political Parties, Re Engineering Citizens, and Restoring Trust in Nigerian Democracy,” held at the Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ibadan.

Organised by the Senator Abiola Ajimobi Foundation in collaboration with the University of Ibadan, the event also marked the 76th posthumous birthday of the former Oyo State governor and erstwhile deputy national chairman of the APC. Political leaders, academics and stakeholders attended to reflect on Ajimobi’s legacy and Nigeria’s democratic journey.

In his address, Tinubu described Ajimobi as a committed progressive whose dedication to democratic governance was unwavering.

“We are gathered here today not in sorrow, but to celebrate the indelible memory and monumental contributions of this great son of Ibadan and the Yoruba race,” Tinubu said.

He recalled Ajimobi’s achievements as governor, noting the urban renewal programme that transformed infrastructure and restored peace in Oyo State.

The President highlighted that Ajimobi’s re-election broke the second-term jinx in Oyo State and reinforced the depth of transformation under his administration.

Tinubu also cited recent economic reforms, noting that GDP growth, falling inflation, and increasing investment levels reflected early success.

He assured Nigerians that new tax laws, effective next year, would provide relief to low-income earners, small businesses, and essential sectors such as food, education, and healthcare.

Referencing the theme of the roundtable, Tinubu emphasised the need for citizens to maintain trust in Nigeria’s democracy.

He commended Ajimobi’s widow, Chief (Mrs) Fatima Florence Ajimobi, for preserving her husband’s legacy, and urged APC members in Oyo State to work together to reclaim power in 2027.

“This is achievable. And this must be achieved,” he said.

Delivering the keynote lecture, Professor Ibrahim Gambari warned that declining voter turnout, which fell from 69 per cent in 2003 to 25 per cent in 2023, reflected a loss of confidence in the system.

He emphasised that democracy thrives only when citizens prioritise national identity over ethnic, religious, or political differences.

Gambari also stressed the dangers of election rigging, prolonged military rule, and one-party dominance, highlighting persistent challenges such as voter apathy and distrust in party leadership.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, described the roundtable as a fitting platform to honour Ajimobi’s legacy and engage critically with issues central to Nigeria’s democratic development.

Makinde stressed that electoral credibility requires internal party democracy, accountable governance, and delivery of tangible benefits to citizens.

Also read: Yoruba kicks as alleged Fulani man Abdulfatai Buhari seeks Oyo governorship

Earlier, Mrs Ajimobi thanked President Tinubu for his continued loyalty and support for the roundtable, praising his commitment to principles of good governance and democracy both before and during his presidency.