Barring any last-minute change of plans, all is set for the 2023 gubernatorial candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Oyo State, Engineer Popoola Olukayode Joshua, popularly called POJ, to dump the party for the All Progressive Congress (APC).
The former Federal Controller of Works in Lagos was until 2022, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), before leaving for NNPP in the hope of unseating the incumbent Governor Seyi Makinde, at the 2023 general elections.
As the APC in the state strategises to dislodge PDP in the 2027 election, there are strong indications that POJ is gearing up to join forces with APC stalwarts to deliver the state to the APC in the coming election.
While a formal declaration is yet to be made, POJ confirmed the rumours making the rounds during the week when he was sighted at the banquet hall of Presidential Villa, Abuja for a state function where he engaged the APC national chairman, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Some of his associates when contacted confirmed the imminent move saying that the Oyo State APC chairman, Alhaji Moshood Olayide Abas, is already waiting for POJ to join the party to help it reclaim Oyo in 2027.
Recall that the national chairman of the ruling APC had called on party members across the country to prioritise the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, describing it as a “task that must be done.”
Speaking on Wednesday during a meeting with Oyo state APC stakeholders in Abuja, Ganduje also directed the party to intensify efforts to reclaim Oyo state from the PDP in the 2027 elections.
The meeting had in attendance the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu; members of the state’s National Assembly caucus; the acting state chairman; and other party chieftains.
Ganduje emphasised the importance of unity among party leaders and members in Oyo, noting that only a united front can achieve the dual goals of ensuring President Tinubu’s re-election and regaining control of the state.
The chairman urged stakeholders to begin preparations early and ensure grassroots mobilisation to strengthen the party’s chances in the 2027 elections.
Credit: Guardian