The immediate-past Commissioner for Woman Affairs and Social Inclusion in Oyo State, Hon. (Mrs) Toyin Balogun has appealed to groups expressing concerns over representation in the proposed Allied Peoples Movement (APM) Presidential Campaign Council to remain patient and to continue to support Governor Seyi Makinde’s Presidential aspiration
The APM Chieftain, in a statement on Sunday, described the complaint credited to Ambassador Abayomi Oyedeji as curious and premature, stressing that the official APM Presidential Campaign Council list had not yet been released to the public.
She clarified that the campaign council list currently circulating on social media is that of the All Progressives Congress (APC), urging members of the public,party members and stakeholders to be careful to distinguish between the two political parties.
According to her, the only APM campaign council structure so far constituted and released in the South is the Oyo State Governorship Campaign Council, which was unveiled recently.
Mrs Balogun therefore urged groups and individuals who may feel left out of the proposed presidential campaign structure not to draw conclusions based on an unofficial list, reassuring them that the interests of all requisite demographics would be adequately captured when the official structure is unveiled.
She particularly appealed to the Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWD) community to remain calm and continue to support Makinde, stating that the Governor’s record of inclusion and empowerment of PLWDs in Oyo State speaks for itself.
She noted that Makinde’s administration had demonstrated commitment to inclusivity through the employment of thousands of persons living with disabilities into state ministries and agencies, as well as the establishment of a dedicated agency for Persons Living With Disabilities.
She also highlighted the appointment of Barrister Ayodele Adekambi as Director General of the Agency for Persons Living With Disabilities, alongside the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion headed by Alhaja Fausat Sanni, both platforms of Government as part of the administration’s efforts to address the welfare and inclusion of vulnerable groups like PLWDs,Women,Children,the Elderly etc
She added that Governor Makinde specifically mandated that numerous political appointments be reserved for PLWD in all 33 local governments and this has since taken effect under the ambits of the Makinde administration.
According to Hon(Mrs ) Balogun, these measures demonstrate that the governor’s commitment to inclusivity is not merely political rhetoric but a policy direction that has been consistently reflected in his administration.
She said the PLWD community had enjoyed greater recognition and opportunities under Makinde, adding that the Governor is committed to replicating this same inclusive approach at the national level when elected president in 2027.
She further disclosed that the proposed Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign structure would feature a dedicated Directorate for Special Interest Groups (SIG)
She explained that the directorate would coordinate Volunteer Groups/ Support Groups, PLWDs and other Special Interest Groups, thereby ensuring that their concerns receive proper attention within the campaign structure.
She urged all aggrieved and concerned groups to exercise patience, stressing that the absence of their names from a list that has not been officially released should not become a source of unnecessary tension.
“Let us be patient and allow the official structure to be unveiled. What is currently circulating is not the APM Presidential Campaign Council list,” she said.
The former Commissioner also called on stakeholders to remain united and support Makinde, saying the governor’s Presidential Project was predicated on Inclusivity across board in recognition of the germaine belief that every Nigerian is important and deserves to be carried along.
She stated also that the Makinde/Daura Presidency would “walk its talk” by ensuring that no demographic is left behind, regardless of status, faith,gender,background or circumstance.
She urged the various groups to see the 2027 project as a collective project, rather than a struggle for individual representation, assuring them that their interests would be certain to receive due consideration.
Balogun expressed confidence that Makinde’s experience in governance, particularly his commitment to inclusivity and social development in Oyo State, would provide a strong foundation for a broader based,inclusive and impactful national agenda.
She appealed to all stakeholders to remain committed to the project and support the Governor as preparations for the 2027 presidential election gather momentum.
