A coalition of All Progressives Congress (APC) support groups in Oyo State has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of neglecting members who mobilised grassroots support for his 2023 presidential election victory.
The Coalition of Presidential Campaign Councils (CPCC) said many of its coordinators and grassroots mobilisers had yet to receive adequate recognition, appointments or opportunities to participate in governance despite their contributions to the president’s campaign.
Yemi Akinwale, the coalition’s chief coordinator in Oyo State, made the allegation at a news conference in Ibadan on Saturday.
Akinwale appealed to Tinubu, the APC leadership and relevant government authorities to address the concerns of the coalition’s members, insisting that their experience and grassroots networks could help strengthen the administration’s engagement with communities.
He said the coalition was seeking recognition, inclusion and engagement rather than attempting to undermine the president or the party’s leadership.
According to him, the coalition comprises representatives of various support groups and grassroots political structures that worked across Oyo State during the 2023 presidential election.
He said its members mobilised support for Tinubu across the state’s 33 local government areas, 351 wards and 6,390 polling units.
Despite their efforts, Akinwale said many of the coordinators and grassroots organisers who contributed to the campaign had not been adequately engaged or integrated into the governance process.
He added that the situation had affected the morale of some members and supporters who expected their contributions to be recognised.
Oyo APC coalition seeks meeting with Tinubu
The CPCC coordinator called on the Presidency and APC leadership to establish mechanisms for engaging support groups and incorporating their structures into grassroots communication and political activities.
He argued that government policies, programmes and achievements could be communicated more effectively to communities through individuals and organisations with established relationships at the grassroots.
Akinwale said the coalition’s structures could also provide constructive feedback from communities and contribute to the democratic process as the 2027 general elections approach.
“We believe that there is a need to strengthen communication and engagement at the grassroots,” he said.
The coalition specifically requested an opportunity to meet with Tinubu or an official designated by the president to discuss its concerns and present proposals for improving grassroots engagement.
“We appeal to the Presidency, APC leadership and relevant government authorities to urgently consider mechanisms for the recognition, inclusion and engagement of Oyo State support groups.
“We also request an opportunity to meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, or any authority designated by him, to formally present our concerns and our proposed roadmap for effective grassroots engagement,” Akinwale said.
Coalition reaffirms loyalty to Tinubu
Despite its complaints over appointments and inclusion, the coalition reaffirmed its support for Tinubu and his Renewed Hope agenda.
Akinwale said the group remained willing to work within established political and governmental structures and contribute to the administration’s success.
He maintained that the coalition’s demands were intended to strengthen its relationship with the government rather than create divisions within the APC.
The coordinator said members remained committed to Nigeria, Oyo State and democratic participation, adding that their grassroots structures were available to support the administration’s engagement efforts ahead of the 2027 elections.
The coalition’s appeal comes as political activities and preparations for the next general elections gather momentum.
