What Tinubu Needs To Succeed – Ex Oyo Deputy Governor, Olaniyan

Former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Rauf Aderemi Olaniyan, says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu needs more than public support to succeed in tackling Nigeria’s challenges. According to him, the president must be backed with consistent prayers and collective goodwill to steer the country through its difficult phase. Speaking at a stakeholders meeting in Oke […]

Former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Rauf Aderemi Olaniyan, says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu needs more than public support to succeed in tackling Nigeria’s challenges.

According to him, the president must be backed with consistent prayers and collective goodwill to steer the country through its difficult phase.

Speaking at a stakeholders meeting in Oke Ogun, Olaniyan said although the Federal Government is making efforts within its limited resources, the burden it bears is enormous.

“No matter the efforts, it will never be enough. That is why I urge Nigerians to not only support but pray for this government. If it fails, we all fail with it”, he said.

Olaniyan, who was Governor Seyi Makinde former deputy also spoke on the rising agitation for power shift to the Oke Ogun zone.

He said the 2027 election would present a fresh opportunity for equity and rotation of power in the state.

“For the first time in Oyo’s history, the cry for an Oke Ogun governor has reached this loudness.

“Everyone knows we are due. While Ibadan remains strategic, nobody will hand you power on a platter of gold. It must be negotiated and worked for”, he stated.

He described Ibadan as a cosmopolitan zone where winning requires coalition-building and strong negotiation.

“Even a total of 20,000 votes can be sourced from different blocs to swing a result. That’s how it works,” he added.

Olaniyan also lamented the underdevelopment of agriculture in Oke Ogun, describing poverty as another name for hunger.

“If you go to Igboho and surrounding areas, you’ll see arable land lying idle. We must return to agriculture and develop its entire value chain,” he said.

Commenting on internal party affairs, he disclosed that stakeholders from nine out of ten local governments in Oke Ogun were present at the meeting.

He said the gathering was convened to foster unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and prepare strategically for 2027.

“In the last election, we only produced Assembly members from Oke Ogun. That is not good enough for us. We must plan ahead because failing to plan is planning to fail,” he said.

Olaniyan revealed that he had previously led a peace committee to resolve disputes among three local governments in the region.

“Two out of the three were reconciled through dialogue. Only one remains and we are not relenting,” he said.

He also hinted at his readiness to contest the governorship seat when the time comes.

“I have paid my dues. I have done my tutelage. I am prepared and equipped with the experience needed to take Oyo to greater heights,” he said.

Olaniyan urged APC members to let love, justice and peace guide their actions as they work towards victory in the next general elections.