Dr Olusola Ayandele, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, has dismissed the claims by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo, popularly known as Ijaya, that the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) controls Ibarapa politically.
Ayandele described Ojo’s claim as a political illusion, saying the commissioner was merely living in the false comfort of a strength he did not possess on the ground across Ibarapa.
He said the reality awaiting the APM in the 2027 elections would be completely different from the picture being painted by its leaders, stressing that the people of Ibarapa were already making up their minds to vote massively for APC and its candidates.
According to him, “Ojo is simply living in an illusion that he has political strength in Ibarapa which he does not have. The era when politicians could deceive the people with empty propaganda and manufactured political structures is gone.
“The people of Ibarapa are wiser, more politically conscious and determined to make a clear choice in 2027. They will not be deceived by political grandstanding, rented structures or claims of popularity that do not exist at the grassroots.
Ayandele said his recent mobilisation, alongside other APC stakeholders and supporters, was not a political drama staged in Ibadan but a reflection of the growing acceptance of APC across Ibarapa, adding that more stakeholders and supporters were already identifying with the party.
He challenged Ojo and the APM leadership to stop taking the people of Ibarapa for granted, saying political strength would ultimately be measured by votes cast at polling units and not by claims made at political gatherings.
“I can say categorically that APC will win Ibarapa with massive votes in 2027. We are not making this declaration out of arrogance but from our interaction with the people and the growing strength of the party across the zone.
“The era of deceit is gone. Ibarapa people will judge all political parties and candidates based on their records, credibility, capacity and commitment to their welfare. No amount of propaganda can stop the people from exercising their democratic choice,” he said.
Ayandele urged APC members and supporters across Ibarapa to remain focused and intensify grassroots mobilisation, assuring them that the party would defeat the APM and other opposition parties through overwhelming support from voters across the zone.
He further advised Ojo to prepare for the political reality of 2027 rather than continue to live in what he described as an imaginary political world, stressing that the election would expose the difference between political noise and genuine electoral strength.
“We welcome Ojo to the political contest. Let him continue to make his claims, but 2027 will be the ultimate test. When the votes are counted, the people of Ibarapa will demonstrate clearly where their confidence lies.
“APC is coming to Ibarapa with a message of renewed hope, development and inclusive governance. We are confident that the people will massively support President Bola Tinubu, Senator Sharafadeen Alli and other APC candidates,” Ayandele said.
