Three other governorship aspirants on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Oyo State are set to join the Group 5 coalition, a decision that emerged from a crucial meeting of the Group’s Think-tank, GT, held in Ibadan on Tuesday. Sources at the meeting said the move followed “weeks of intense consultations and a shared understanding of what the G5 represents for the future of the APC in the state.”
The Group 5, which now comprises Engnr. Aderemi Olaniyan, Dr. Usman Bakare, Barr. Akeem Agbaje, Prince Musbau Asatola Asanike and Engnr. Hakeem Alao, reaffirmed its core values during the Ibadan meeting.
“The G5 stands for justice, fairness, inclusivity and consensus,” a communiqué signed after the GT session read. One of the incoming aspirants who attended as an observer was quoted as saying, “We are drawn to the G5 because it is committed to rebuilding our party on principles that reflect the true progressive spirit of Oyo APC.”
Agbaje Celebrates APC Stalwart, Prince Gbade Lana on Birthday
Members of the expanded group told reporters after the meeting that only President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intervention can settle the contestation within Oyo APC. “We believe the President’s voice will be the final straw in this matter,” a G5 member stated. “As national leader of our party, he will ensure the eventual candidate embodies the values the APC preaches nationally,” another chieftain added.
The coalition was emphatic in its rejection of what it described as “politics without substance.” According to the G5 resolution, “It is our strong conviction that President Tinubu would not present a reckless character, a non-performer, or a non-unifier obsessed with amala politics without precision of concern for the public.” A participant at the Tuesday meeting noted, “Oyo State deserves leadership defined by capacity and vision, not empty populism or divisive rhetoric.”
The aspirants drew clear boundaries on the kind of candidate they would support. “Our governor can be anybody but not anyone with a track record of rebellion or non-performance, either on political appointment or elective office,” the G5 communiqué declared. One of the G5 member warned: “Foisting such a candidate will weaken the party and betray the sacrifices of loyal progressives who have kept the APC alive in this state.”
Speaking to newsmen in Ibadan after the meeting, a G5 member said the group is “fighting to save the fate of the progressives in Oyo State.” The coalition insists its goal is to produce a flagbearer who “will not be prey or delight to the Accord Party, APM, or PDP in the general election.” He added, “Unity, competence, and statewide acceptance are non-negotiable for us. Anything less is defeat before the ballot.”
With three more aspirants now set to formally align, the Group 5 resolved at Tuesday’s meeting to intensify engagement with party leaders and stakeholders across the 33 local government areas.
“We will continue to push for a consensus process that guarantees justice to all tendencies,” a communiqué from the G5 affirmed, “while positioning the APC to reclaim Oyo State in 2027.”
