By Umma Muhammad Ishaq
President Bola Tinubu has called on leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State to close ranks and strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing unity as the most fitting tribute to the late former governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.
Tinubu made the call on Tuesday at the Ajimobi Roundtable held at the Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ibadan. The roundtable, themed “Pathways to Electoral Credibility: Performing Political Parties, Re-engineering Citizens, and Restoring Trust in Nigerian Democracy,” was organised by the Senator Abiola Ajimobi Foundation in collaboration with the university and marked Ajimobi’s 76th posthumous birthday.
The event brought together political leaders, academics and other stakeholders to reflect on Ajimobi’s legacy and Nigeria’s democratic journey.
In his address, Tinubu described Ajimobi as a committed progressive whose dedication to democratic governance was unwavering.
“We are gathered here today not in sorrow, but to celebrate the indelible memory and monumental contributions of this great son of Ibadan and the Yoruba race. Senator Ajimobi served the great people of Oyo State and Nigeria with distinction, uncommon dedication and zeal,” the President said.
He recalled Ajimobi’s tenure as governor, noting that he delivered major infrastructural development through an urban renewal programme and restored peace by dismantling structures that had earned the state what he called an “ugly tag.” Tinubu added that Ajimobi’s re-election broke Oyo State’s second-term jinx, underscoring the depth of transformation under his administration.
Tinubu said Ajimobi shared his belief that leadership sometimes required tough decisions that might cause temporary discomfort but yield long-term development. He also defended his administration’s ongoing economic reforms, saying they were beginning to show results.
“Our GDP is growing, inflation is tumbling down and improvement is being witnessed in fiscal deficit,” the President said, adding that companies had returned to profitability and investment levels were rising.
He assured Nigerians that new tax laws to be implemented from next year would bring relief to low-income earners and small businesses. According to him, essentials such as food, medication, education, agriculture and shared transportation would be exempted from burdensome taxes.
On the roundtable’s theme, Tinubu said citizens must continue to invest trust in Nigeria’s democracy, stressing that credible elections and strong political parties were essential for national stability.
He commended Ajimobi’s widow, Chief (Mrs) Fatima Florence Ajimobi, describing the late former governor as a devoted family man with a warm sense of humour, and urged APC members in Oyo State to work together to reclaim power in 2027.
Also speaking at the event, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde said the roundtable’s theme was timely, especially at a period when public confidence in democratic institutions was being tested.
Makinde said rebuilding trust in democracy required sincerity, accountability and inclusive governance, adding that electoral credibility could only be achieved when political parties practised internal democracy and delivered on promises to the electorate.
He noted that successive administrations had a responsibility to deepen democratic values through peaceful political engagement and people-centred governance, adding that Oyo State remained committed to strengthening democratic institutions and encouraging active civic participation.
Earlier, Mrs Ajimobi, in her welcome address, thanked President Tinubu for his continued support for the roundtable, describing his presence and commitment as a demonstration of loyalty to her late husband’s ideals and the principles of good governance and democracy.
