Ogbomoso APM leaders back Makinde, endorse Open Salawu as party’s deputy guber candidate

Leaders and elders of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) across the five local government areas of Ogbomoso zone have declared their support for the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde while endorsing the party’s deputy governorship candidate, Engineer Muftau Open Salawu, saying his emergence has further strengthened the party’s acceptance in the zone and across Oyo State.

The declaration came during the Ogbomoso leg of the statewide thank-you tour embarked upon by the APM governorship candidate, Hon Bimbo Adekanmbi, and his running mate, Engineer Open Salawu, following their emergence as the party’s standard bearers for the 2027 governorship election.

The two-day tour covered Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South, Oriire, Surulere and Ogo-Oluwa Local Government Areas, where the candidates were received by party stakeholders, traditional leaders, community representatives, market women, youths and supporters.

Speaking during the engagements, party leaders expressed appreciation to the APM leadership for choosing Open Salawu, the Babalaje of Ogbomosoland and Giwa Adinni of Oyo State, as the party’s deputy governorship candidate, describing him as a respected son of the zone with the experience and leadership qualities needed to complement Adekanmbi.

The stakeholders unanimously described Salawu as “a round peg in a round hole”, insisting that his emergence reflects the party’s commitment to competence, loyalty and grassroots leadership.

One of the elders said, “The choice of Engr. Open Salawu is a clear demonstration that APM rewards competence, loyalty and commitment. He understands the challenges facing our people because he has remained connected to the grassroots. We have confidence in his capacity to ensure that Ogbomoso gets its fair share of development.”

Another stakeholder added, “This ticket is well balanced. Ogbomoso has been given a sense of belonging, and we appreciate the party leadership for recognising the contributions of our zone. We are fully behind the Adekanmbi/Open Salawu ticket.”

The leaders also pledged to continue supporting Governor Makinde’s administration on developmental initiatives that would benefit residents of Ogbomoso while mobilising support for the APM ahead of future elections.

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Addressing party faithful during the tour, Adekanmbi thanked members and supporters for their loyalty and confidence in the party, assuring them that an APM administration would prioritise inclusive governance, grassroots development, agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure and security.

He said, “We are here to say thank you for your unwavering support and to assure you that your voice will never be lost in government. This thank-you tour is not just about appreciation; it is also about listening to our people and understanding their expectations.”

Adekanmbi added, “APM is building a government that will work for everyone, from the grassroots to the state capital. Ogbomoso zone has a critical role to play in the development of Oyo State, and we will not take that for granted.”

He further assured the people that the party would continue to engage directly with communities across the state.

“We are committed to a government that is people-centred, transparent and inclusive. Every community deserves quality roads, improved healthcare, better schools, opportunities for farmers and youths, and adequate security. That is the kind of government we are preparing to offer the people of Oyo State,” he said.

The party explained that the thank-you tour was designed to appreciate members and supporters for their commitment, consolidate grassroots structures and deepen engagement with residents across the 33 local government areas of the state.

According to party officials, the tour will continue in other zones as part of efforts to present the party’s blueprint for economic growth, job creation, improved security and inclusive governance.

The Ogbomoso tour ended with prayers for peace, unity and sustained development in Oyo State, while party leaders urged members to remain united and committed to the ideals of the Allied Peoples Movement.

Among those present were party leaders, elected and former public office holders, community leaders, professionals, youth representatives and other stakeholders drawn from the five local government areas of Ogbomoso zone, including Hon. Adebayo Bankole, Hon. Oyedepo Ezekiel, Hon. Ogundele Johnson, Hon. Oyelade Tunde, Hon. Olateju Michael, Hon. Laaro Ganiyu, Hon. Hammed Hassan I, Hon. Saliu Alao Jimoh, Alhaji Owonikoko Isiaka, Hon. Adekunle Kayode, Mrs. Ajao Victoria, Hon. Timothy Adekunle, Prof. Abdulrahamon Afonja, Engr. Abu Salam, Engr. Rabiu Bello, Dr. Adekunle Onile, Hon. Seun Ojo, Hon. Simon Oyeleke, Hon. Abideen Ogundare, Hon. Sanjo Akintola and several other party faithful and stakeholders.