…as party holds first general meeting
By Adeyimika ADEDOKUN
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Irepo Local Government Area of Oyo State has received Hon. Akeem Ronta and other defectors from the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) at its first general meeting in Kishi, in a gathering that underscored the party’s ongoing grassroots engagement and efforts to strengthen its local structure.
The meeting brought together prominent party leaders, stakeholders, members of the Irepo APC Executive Committee and other party faithful, providing a platform for political interaction, the reception of new members and renewed engagement within the party.
Among the political figures present were Hon. Yekeen Popoola, former Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Oyo State Chapter; Hon. Salami Waliu Ayinde, popularly known as Wele, the APC candidate for Irepo/Olorunsogo State Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly; and Hon. Sanni Yunusa, alongside other party leaders and stakeholders.
The reception of members from the APM and ADC was a major highlight of the meeting, with party leaders welcoming the new entrants into the APC fold.
Particular attention was given to Hon. Akeem Ronta, whose decision to join the APC was welcomed by Hon. Yekeen Popoola and Hon. Waliu Ayinde (Wele). Their reception of Ronta formed a notable part of the gathering, which also focused on strengthening relationships among party members and encouraging broader participation in party activities.
Politically, the meeting offered the Irepo APC leadership an opportunity to reinforce engagement at the grassroots level, bring together established members and new entrants, and emphasise the importance of internal cooperation in party organisation. The presence of party stakeholders and the reception of defectors also placed party membership and local political mobilisation at the centre of the gathering.
The development comes as political parties continue to organise their structures and engage supporters across communities. However, the longer-term implications of the defections for the political landscape in Irepo and the wider Irepo/Olorunsogo constituency remain to be seen.
The meeting also highlighted the role of local party gatherings in maintaining communication between leaders and members, strengthening internal relationships and encouraging participation in party affairs.
The organisers expressed appreciation to the leaders, stakeholders and members who attended, reaffirming their commitment to unity, peace and cooperation within the Irepo APC.
The gathering ended with a call for togetherness among party members, reflecting the APC’s stated emphasis on progress and unity.
