The Oyo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Olayide Abas, on Tuesday, said the recent defections of prominent opposition political leaders and members in the country to the ruling party are an indication that President Bola Tinubu stands a strong chance of winning the 2027 presidential election.
Abas, who stated this while addressing party chieftains during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Ibadan, the state capital, also disclosed that members and leaders of the party in the state were ready to work for Tinubu’s re-election.
The meeting was attended by party chieftains, including Alhaji Tajudeen Olanite (State Secretary), Olawale Sadare (Publicity Secretary), Alhaja Tinuade Adigun (State Woman Leader), and Prince John Aremu (State Youth Leader).
Abas said the decision of opposition political figures to join the APC was due to what he described as the efficacy of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The party chairman noted that the APC in the state had no option but to support Tinubu.
He claimed that Tinubu has the capacity to tackle the problems facing the country.
Abas said: “Those of us who know the antecedents of our dear President might not be surprised that he has approached governance with such an enormous degree of courage, determination, and patriotism, but it is imperative that we make public our satisfaction and optimism, if only to encourage him.
“It is on this note that stakeholders of the party who attended the extended executive committee meeting today decided to announce our readiness to have President Tinubu in office as the nation’s number one man beyond 2027.
“He has shown a good understanding of the challenges facing the country, in addition to possessing the blueprint to tackle them. As a result, Nigerians need to give him enough time to complete the enormous task of repositioning the country.
“The recent gale of defections by members of opposition parties is a pointer to the fact that many discerning Nigerians are ready to key into the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President by shunning primordial sentiments and selfish interests, and by joining the APC, which they see as the only vehicle for national rebirth and holistic development. To this end, Oyo APC cannot afford to be in the back seat.”