APC Youths in Ife Federal Constituency Reject Attempts to Mislead the Public
The attention of progressive youths across Ife Federal Constituency has been drawn to a statement circulating in the media under the guise of “APC Elders in Ife” regarding the nomination of Aare Engr. Benjamin Kayode Adereti as the Deputy Governorship Candidate of our great party ahead of the 2026 Osun Governorship Election.
Ordinarily, we would have ignored such a poorly coordinated statement laced with misinformation, but for the sake of clarity and to prevent the public from being misled, it has become necessary to set the record straight.
First and foremost, the youths of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ife Federal Constituency categorically distance ourselves from the claims and positions expressed in that statement. It is unfortunate that some individuals who have consistently used the revered name of Ifeland as bait to satisfy their personal political ego are once again attempting to create needless controversy where none exists.
The nomination of Aare Engr. Benjamin Kayode Adereti as the Deputy Governorship Candidate is a well-considered and strategic decision aimed at strengthening the electoral prospects of our great party in Osun State.
Adereti remains a respected technocrat, grassroots politician, philanthropist, and a proud son of Ifeland whose commitment to the progressive movement is visible and widely acknowledged.
Contrary to the narrative being pushed by a few self-appointed spokespersons, the overwhelming majority of APC members, youths, artisans, market men and women, and stakeholders across Ife Federal Constituency have welcomed this nomination with enthusiasm. It represents a valuable opportunity for Ifeland to play a pivotal role in the rebuilding and advancement of Osun State under the banner of the progressive family.
It is also important to remind the public that some of those now pretending to speak for Ife had in the past placed personal negotiations above the collective interest of the party. In 2018, during the political realignments that shaped the Osun governorship contest, Senator Iyiola Omisore negotiated political concessions that included positions such as House of Assembly seats, House of Representatives slots, and commissioner appointments.
Unfortunately, many of the individuals presented through those negotiations neither had a history of commitment to the progressive movement nor added meaningful value to the growth and stability of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State. Rather than strengthening the party, such arrangements created avoidable internal tensions and failed to translate into sustainable political gains for the APC in Ifeland.
It is therefore ironic that those who once championed political bargaining for personal advantage are today attempting to lecture the party about consultation and inclusiveness.
Furthermore, the public is aware that in recent times Senator Iyiola Omisore has been moving from one media house to another, making statements that openly insult and attack His Excellency, Alhaji Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola, CON, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.
Despite these repeated provocations, the Honourable Minister has continued to demonstrate maturity, discipline, and leadership by refusing to trade words or descend into needless public confrontations.
True leadership is measured by restraint, and Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola has continued to uphold the dignity of his office and the unity of the progressive family.
It must also be clearly stated that Senator Iyiola Omisore is not the only aspirant who contested for the governorship ticket of the APC in Osun State.
The party had several credible aspirants who participated in the process, and it is therefore unreasonable for any individual to behave as though the party structure and its decisions must revolve around personal ambitions.
We also find it curious that those claiming to represent “Ife elders” seek to determine the political future of the younger generation and the masses without meaningful youth participation. A careful look at the list of those who reportedly attended the said meeting shows that the youngest among them is about 55 years of age. While we respect the experience of our elders, the youths of Ifeland will not fold their arms and allow a group of retired political actors to singlehandedly decide the future of the younger generation and the broader electorate.
The youths of APC in Ife Federal Constituency therefore make it clear that this political era will not accommodate backdoor negotiations for elective positions. There will be no room for bargaining or allocation of House of Assembly, House of Representatives, or Senatorial tickets as was done in the past. The era of political concessions negotiated in private meetings is over.
All aspirants who are popular and confident in their political strength should prepare themselves for free, fair, and transparent contests in accordance with the democratic principles of our great party.
We also make it unequivocally clear that the youths and grassroots members of our party will not allow any politician to use the forthcoming Osun 2026 governorship election as a platform to revive a dimming political career. The future of Osun State and the aspirations of the people cannot be sacrificed on the altar of personal political rehabilitation.
At this critical moment, our focus should be on strengthening party structures, mobilizing grassroots support, and consolidating the formidable ticket that will return the All Progressives Congress to power in Osun State in 2026.
The APC youths in Ife Federal Constituency therefore call on all party faithful to ignore divisive narratives and remain committed to unity, discipline, and collective victory.
Let it be clearly stated: Ifeland stands firmly behind the progressive cause, and we will not allow the sacred name of our land to be manipulated for personal political battles.
The future of Ile Ife is bigger than the ambitions of a few individuals.
Signed:
Comrade Adamolekun Kayode
09143547589
Comrade Adelebare Abiodun
08135654018
