By: Olayinka Ganiyu
Two chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Akeem Adetoyese and Mogaji Abiola Oyeyemi, have criticised the nomination of Mr. Joseph Tegbe as the state’s ministerial representative, describing it as unfair to loyal party members who supported President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s electoral success.
In a statement released on Thursday, the party leaders said the nomination has sparked discontent among grassroots members and long-standing APC supporters in Oyo State, who view it as an example of an unjust reward system within the party.
They noted that many dedicated APC members invested time, resources, and political capital to ensure Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 general elections, yet have been overlooked in subsequent political appointments.
According to them, Tegbe’s nomination sends a discouraging message to party faithful who remained committed before, during, and after the elections.
They argued that party members who worked tirelessly mobilising support, committing resources, and risking their reputations are now being sidelined despite their contributions.
Adetoyese and Oyeyemi further alleged that Tegbe neither showed loyalty to the APC nor played a meaningful role in the party’s success in Oyo State during the last elections. They also claimed he previously contested outside the party and worked against Tinubu’s presidential bid.
The duo described his nomination as both questionable and unfair, especially to members who remained loyal to the APC throughout the political process.
They also alleged that Tegbe had already benefited from previous appointments despite limited involvement in party activities, adding that he had not formally registered as a member of the APC or participated in recent events such as the Renewed Hope Rally.
The chieftains warned that continued neglect of loyal members could breed frustration within the party’s grassroots and weaken its structure ahead of future elections.
They called on President Tinubu to reconsider the nomination and urged APC lawmakers from Oyo State in the National Assembly to withhold approval.