2027: Ex-LG Chairmen Endorse JDS Movement, Mobilise Support for Tinubu, Alli

Former Local Government Chairmen who served under the administration of the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State have declared their readiness to join the Jubril Dotun Sanusi (JDS) Movement and mobilise support for the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Sharafadeen Alli and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The former council chairmen, represented by 14 members, made the declaration during a strategic meeting with the Okanlomo Oodua and Gbonka Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, where they commended his grassroots mobilisation efforts, philanthropic interventions and vision for the development of Oyo State.

The meeting provided a platform for the former council leaders to discuss the political direction of the state ahead of 2027 and assess the growing activities of the JDS Movement across Oyo communities.

The former chairmen expressed confidence in Sanusi's ability to build a strong and effective grassroots political structure capable of reaching communities across the state.

Following extensive deliberations, the group unanimously declared its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's 2027 re-election bid, Senator Sharafadeen Alli and other APC candidates, describing their decision as a “come back home” to the political family.

The former council leaders also praised Sanusi for what they described as his sustained interventions in communities across Oyo State. They noted that his philanthropic initiatives, community engagement and support for people at the grassroots had demonstrated a commitment to improving the wellbeing and development of residents.

According to the group, their decision was informed by the need to strengthen grassroots participation in the political process while bringing their wealth of experience, networks and existing political structures into the mobilisation efforts of the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

Among the former Local Government Chairmen who participated in the meeting were Hon. Bolaji Abiodun and Hon. Oladejo Wahab (Ido Local Government); Hon. Oluyinka Akinbode (Ibadan North); Hon. Akande Kola (IBSE); Hon. Oladeji Abiodun (Lagelu); Hon. Okunlade Samuel (Oorelope); Hon. Taoheed Adeleke (IBSW); Hon. Olorode Samuel (Afijio); Hon. Adeniran Alarape (Kajola); Hon. Balogun Lord (Oorelope); Hon. Salami Ope (Akinyele); Hon. Oyetunde Ismail Akanni (Ona Ara); Hon. Folarin Rafiu Adekola (IBSW); and Hon. Opalaye Gbenga, among others.

The gathering further highlighted the increasing political activities surrounding the JDS Movement as stakeholders intensify consultations and mobilisation across Oyo State ahead of the 2027 elections.

The former council chairmen pledged to deploy their political experience, community relationships and grassroots networks towards expanding support for the APC and strengthening mobilisation across the 33 Local Government Areas of Oyo State.

Receiving the delegation, Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi expressed appreciation for their confidence and commitment. He emphasised the importance of political unity, grassroots development and collective action in advancing the interests of Oyo State.

The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by the former council chairmen and the JDS Movement to strengthen grassroots mobilisation, deepen political engagement and work towards the success of the APC and its candidates in the 2027 elections.