President Bola Tinubu is urging all warring factions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State to bury their grudges and unite in preparation for the 2027 election. Speaking at the maiden edition of the annual Lam Adesina lecture series in Ibadan, the theme was “Improving Nigeria’s Governance: Lessons From the Past, Strategies for the Future.” Tinubu, represented by Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, wasted no time addressing the political infighting plaguing the APC in Oyo, suggesting that the party’s internal disputes are giving an advantage to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He expressed his disappointment, stressing that Oyo State’s absence from the “progressive fold” in future elections would be unacceptable.
Bringing up the late Lam Adesina, the former governor known for his dedication to democracy and good governance, Tinubu used the platform to rally his party members, calling on them to remember Adesina’s legacy of bravery and service. He noted that Adesina’s commitment to democracy made him a respected figure in Nigeria’s history, painting a picture of an ideal leader who placed public interest above personal gain. The late Adesina, Tinubu pointed out, was a fierce advocate for democracy during a time when military rule held Nigeria in an iron grip. This appeal to nostalgia and shared values seems like Tinubu’s strategic attempt to motivate his party’s loyalists to action, using the memory of a respected leader to reignite the unity that the APC once enjoyed.
Tinubu stated outright that Oyo State must return to the “progressive fold” in 2027. According to him, this return is not just about winning an election; it’s about restoring governance ideals he claims have been eroded by the PDP. He described the state’s political importance, indicating that Oyo is a critical battleground that should be led by progressives who share his vision for Nigeria. But the real question is whether his call for unity will resonate with APC members, many of whom have been entangled in bitter rivalries and power struggles that have weakened the party’s stance in the region, which party is innocent of this anyway, is it PDP or LP?
Meanwhile, Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate Leader and guest lecturer at the event, emphasized the need for Nigeria to rediscover its value system. Represented by Senator Shuaib Salisu, Bamidele argued that a society anchored on moral values, discipline, and accountability is key to curbing the rampant issues of corruption and greed. He urged the political elite and citizens alike to embrace a culture of integrity and responsibility, suggesting that this shift could pave the way for a better future.
The event saw a parade of political icons( or whatever you call them) highlights its significance. Attendees included former Governors of Ekiti State, Adeniyi Adebayo and Kayode Fayemi, along with former Senate Leader Teslim Folarin, and various notable figures within the APC. It was a show of force aimed at signaling unity, yet the underlying message seemed clear: the APC is still struggling with internal disunity that could jeopardize its chances in the next election. The late Lam Adesina, who passed away in 2012, was remembered as a staunch defender of democracy, a respected columnist, and an educationist who fought tirelessly for Nigeria’s return to civilian rule. His legacy was used as a rallying cry for APC members to align themselves with his vision of governance one that prioritizes public service over personal ambition.
