Ibadan civic centre was home to some of the biggest names within the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State on Thursday as Aderonke Dairo, an House of Assembly aspirant for Ibadan North East constituency 11, hosted a conference to chart a way to reposition the party ahead of the next general elections.
Speaking at the event, the lead speaker, Dorathy Ossai, charged the party to invest in its organisational structure, if it is truly interested in governing for decades.
She noted that the party has to design strategic plans to enable it governs the country in trying times like this.
Meanwhile, the party’s women leader in the state, Mrs. Madele Williams questioned “the party’s mindset on women is wrong. There is no respect for women.” “We are now asking for 30 percent of political posts.”
She noted that women are no longer ready to remain as foot soldiers but to also become leaders.
She added that the party should also make nomination forms free for women because “they are the foot soldiers.”
Earlier, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, who waz the father of the day, wished the organizers a successful outing.
The Olubadan was represented by the Eekefa Balogun of Ibadanland, Akogun Sarafadeen Alli.
Speaking further, Alli, who is an APC chieftain in the state noted that “it is important for the party to be united to avoid clashes. The party must also ensure peace comes first.”
“One of the hallmarks of administration is teamwork. Anyone who has worked in the civil service knows that a file will go from the lowest rank team member to the top which means everyone will have knowledge about the action.”
He implored the party to, in preparation of the 2023 elections, have a social security program for youths.
Another speaker and former Communication Minister, Adebayo Shittu, who spoke on why elected officials fail to deliver electoral promises, called for the strengthening of the party’s constitution to make the party stronger than any individual.
He also noted that the government should also empower INEC to demand for manifestos from political parties.
Speaking with journalists, the convener, Hon. Dairo, noted that the decision to hold the conference was borne out of the need to reposition and strengthen the party ahead of the 2023 elections.
She explained that her aspiration to represent the people of Ibadan North constituency 11 was borne out of the need for quality representation
