pannigeriannews 
By Toye Ekun
Each time I hear fellow members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) talk about “unity” and “genuine reconciliation” under different banners Oyo APC First, APC Peace Group, APC for Peace, APC kinikan, and all the other fine-sounding names, I just smile hysterically. For the most part, these groups exist for optics: to take pictures and earn social media clout. They are not built on the foundation of real reconciliation or solid political strategy.
If we are truly serious about winning elections in 2027, we must move beyond branding and vanity projects. We must roll up our sleeves and do the hard, sometimes uncomfortable work of reconciling interests, listening to grievances, and building real trust within the party. We need to move beyond surface-level activities. Real internal reform and purposeful engagements are necessary.
The memory lane
In 1999, we voted for Alliance for Democracy (AD) and because of the structure of the party and Great Lam Adesina, we won. But by 2003, we lost the governorship to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). That loss planted a seed in me, and I joined partisan politics in 2007, largely because of the personal relationship between my family and that of Senator Abiola Ajimobi. When Ajimobi did not get the Action Congress (AC) ticket in 2007, we moved with him to the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP). That was how our campaign group ( Star 007) was born. We fought that election, lost to Alao-Akala’s PDP, but never gave up. By 2009, Star 007 evolved into SENACO – Senator Ajimobi Campaign Organization when we returned to Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).
During the 2011 elections, I was at the forefront in my local government, Ibadan North East. We had regular meetings every 15 days at Ajimobi’s house in Oluyole. Each LG had three key leaders. For ours, we had Chief Ayo Eniade, Alhaji Moshood Alabi Omo Olorun Ero (fondly called Allah-Mash), and Baba Raifu Olowo-Adekile. I belonged to the Allah-Mash camp, and I usually attended that meeting with my late leader Allah-Mash at Oluyole with Jonathan Ogundiwin, Baba Ibeji, and sometimes Triple Tee.
Alhaja Tima, Princess (Late), and Iya Sorukomagbo were also among the key women leaders who regularly attended meetings at Oluyole, especially during outings and major party activities. Those were formative days, days that taught me loyalty, strategy, and the importance of genuine political relationships.
Before Ajimobi got the ACN ticket, he reconciled sincerely with Baba Lam, who in turn gave him full support. Baba LAM Adesina supported him wholeheartedly after the genuine reconciliation took place. He went above and beyond to unite the party and reconcile all aspirants.That’s what purposeful leadership looks like. I will always respect the great LAM. Even when he had other engagements, Baba Lam campaigned hard for Ajimobi. He was a true leader, one we will forever miss. I remember our Ibadan Mararun campaign clearly. Our Local Government held its rally at Oje Market. Baba Lam shone that day. He was electrifying, his energy lit up the atmosphere.
The strategy that brought about our 2011 victory is a story for another day. But from my little experience, one thing is clear: and here’s the point: unity and victory were only possible because true reconciliation was led by respected leaders and followed by loyal grassroots soldiers. Now, with everything I’ve seen, my humble opinion is this: The unity and victory of Oyo APC in 2027 depend on certain factors and one of these factors will play a major role.
The factor is a He.
Whether you like him or not, I was never his fan for personal reasons but I must confess, he is a rare breed. This man possesses a unique mix of brilliance, bravery, street-level political intelligence, and grassroots savvy.
I’ve come to respect what he brings to the table. The man is a political genius, he has mastered the art of local politics. He embodies the boldness of four political titans in one. How he does it, only God knows.
He knows when to act and when to hold back. His name is TESSI.
Yes, Tessi is one of the major factors in Oyo APC today with the capacity to initiate genuine reconciliation. That’s a truth even the opposition fears. Anybody, I repeat, anybody, who will be the APC gubernatorial candidate in 2027 will need him, whether they admit it or not. No imported “Maradona” can work magic here. Even if you give N50,000 to each party member and voter, many will eat your money and still vote against you.
Let me paint the reality: in a community where a cow was slaughtered and delicious jollof rice served to over 500 people by someone who believed he/she had the political structure on lockdown, guess what? Only 50 people voted for the party that this person was supporting. The remaining 450? They ate the food and voted according to their conscience. *Bi ori oju mi , ori inu mi. “You may see my face, but my mind remains mine”
Let us stop deceiving ourselves. Politics in Oyo is not about noise, it’s about deep-rooted connection, strategy, loyalty, and real reconciliation.You can’t buy loyalty, you earn it with sincerity and connection.
I will rest my case for today. But as time permits, I will say more.
…Toye Ekùn writes from Amunigun/Agbokojo, Ibadan.
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