The atmosphere at the Ibadan North Local Government chapter of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) was charged with excitement as Bashorun Adekunle Oladeji, popularly known as Omo BAO, formally joined the party alongside hundreds of his supporters, former political associates, councillors, and some party executives.
The event, which attracted political leaders and stakeholders from Oyo State, witnessed the reception of the former All Progressives Congress (APC) members into APM, with party leaders describing the development as a significant addition to the party.
Among those present at the gathering were the APM Oyo State Chairman, Otunba Fagbemi; the Public Relations Officer of APM Alliance, Hon. Michael Ogunsina; Chairman of APM in Ibadan North Local Government, Comrade Ademuyiwa Mustapha; Leader of APM in Ibadan North Local Government, Baba Ismaila Ashipa; Hon. Demola Omotoso, Chairman of Oyo State Housing Corporation; Hon. Adeyinka Adeniyi Bibire, Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Seyi Makinde; Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle DON, Member representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency; Hon. Olufunke Comforter, Oyo State House of Assembly member representing Ibadan North Constituency 1; and other political leaders and stakeholders.
In their separate remarks, the party leaders welcomed Bashorun Adekunle Oladeji and his followers into APM, describing the move as a major political development.
They urged the new members to work together with existing party members while contributing their experience and ideas towards strengthening the party.
Speaking on behalf of himself and his supporters, Bashorun Adekunle Oladeji, Omo BAO expressed appreciation for the reception and said they were pleased to join APM.
He stated that their decision was based on their belief that the party provides a platform where members can contribute meaningfully to political development.
Omo BAO also expressed his views on the political direction of Oyo State and commended Governor Seyi Makinde’s leadership.
He described APM as a party focused on people-oriented politics and said he and his supporters would work actively for the growth of the party.
He further stated his expectations regarding future elections, mentioning several political figures he believes would win in the upcoming contests, including Hon. Abimbola Adekanmbi, Hon. Dhikrullahi Olajide Odidiomo, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle DON, Hon. Olufunke Comforter, and Hon. Adebayo Babajide Gabriel.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade, formally welcomed Bashorun Adekunle Oladeji Omo BAO and the new members into APM.
He described Omo BAO as an influential political figure and encouraged party members and executives to embrace the new members and ensure their proper integration into party activities.
Hon. Olufade assured the new entrants that they would be carried along in the affairs of the party and encouraged members to continue working towards strengthening APM ahead of future political engagements.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of Lagelu Local Government stated that some APC members in Lagelu had also recently joined APM. He expressed optimism about the party’s growth and prayed for the continued success of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration.
The event also featured gestures of support to party members, as Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade distributed hundreds of bags of rice to party faithfuls from ward 1 to 12.
Financial support running into millions of naira was also announced for members across the 12 wards of Ibadan North Local Government, with contributions from elected and appointed APM members.
The gathering was attended by party leaders, councillors, supervisory councillors, special assistants, party executives, and other stakeholders, including Hon. Mudashiru Kamorudeen, Chairman of Lagelu Local Government; Hon. Taiwo Lekan Salami, Chairman of 3SC; Hon. Julian Nwachuku; Hon. Waheed Akanbi Biiro, Chairman of Oyo State Waste Management; and Hon. Babatunde Olaniyan Akoro.
The reception ended with renewed calls from party leaders for unity, cooperation, and commitment among members as APM continues to expand its political presence in Oyo State.
