The Oyo State Coordinator and Returning Officer for the presidential primaries, Teslim Kolawole Folarin, has said the large turnout recorded during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries in the state reflects growing confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general election.
Folarin, while addressing party members after Saturday’s exercise, commended APC faithful in Ward 5, Ona-Ara Local Government Area, and across the 351 wards in Oyo State for what he described as a strong display of unity, loyalty and commitment to the party.
According to him, the turnout recorded during the exercise demonstrates the readiness of party members to consolidate on the achievements of the Tinubu administration and strengthen the APC’s electoral chances in future polls.
“The remarkable turnout witnessed in Ward 5 Ona-Ara Local Government and across the 351 wards in Oyo State is a strong indication that Nigerians continue to place their confidence in the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and the APC ahead of the 2027 general election,” he said.
Folarin added that the enthusiasm shown by party members during the primaries underscored the determination of the APC to deepen its grassroots mobilisation and improve its political fortunes nationwide.
He urged party supporters to intensify efforts in taking the achievements of the Federal Government to the grassroots, stressing the need for Nigerians to better understand the administration’s policies and developmental programmes.
“Our members must continue to take the achievements of the Federal Government to the grassroots and ensure that Nigerians fully understand the policies, programmes and developmental initiatives being implemented under President Tinubu’s leadership,” he stated.
The former Senate Leader disclosed that the APC in Oyo State was already strategising to improve its 2023 presidential election performance by at least 35 per cent through stronger grassroots engagement, reconciliation and mobilisation efforts.
He also called on party members to close ranks and put aside personal and political differences in the interest of the APC and the country.
“Only a united APC can sustain its current gains, deepen its political structure and position itself for electoral success, not only in Oyo State but across the country,” he said.
Folarin further expressed concern over the recent attack by gunmen on three schools in Ahoro-Esinele, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident as painful and disturbing.
He condemned the reported killings and abductions in the affected communities, while assuring residents that security agencies were making efforts to rescue victims still in captivity and restore peace to the area.
