In a strategic move to strengthen grassroots participation and boost party records, Retired Colonel Dr. Gbenga Adegbola, an All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship hopeful, has embarked on a comprehensive tour of Saki East and ATISBO Local Government Areas of Oyo State to assess the progress of the ongoing APC electronic registration exercise.
The tour was part of efforts to evaluate field operations, identify challenges, and mobilize party members as the registration exercise approaches its final phase.
Dr. Adegbola commenced the tour in Saki East, where he visited multiple wards and polling units, engaging directly with party officials, registration officers, and members at the grassroots.
Moving from one polling unit to another, he reviewed registration activities on the ground and held brief interactions with stakeholders to ascertain the level of compliance and participation.
Data presented during the exercise revealed that Oke Ogun is currently recording one of the lowest APC e-registration figures in Nigeria, a situation Dr. Adegbola described as worrisome and requiring urgent collective action, particularly with only ten days left before the closure of the registration window.
Addressing party faithful during the tour, the APC governorship aspirant urged all members of the ruling party across Oke Ogun to immediately take advantage of the registration exercise. He emphasized that a strong and credible party structure begins with robust membership data, adding that high registration numbers are crucial to projecting Oke Ogun’s political strength within the party at both state and national levels.
According to him, the region must demonstrate through figures that it has a solid and active membership base capable of competing favorably with other regions in the state.
The tour later proceeded to ATISBO Local Government Area, where Dr. Adegbola met with local APC coordinators and registration officials to further assess the exercise. While responding to his inquiries, the ATISBO coordinator raised concerns over challenges associated with the National Identification Number (NIN) requirement.
He explained that many willing APC members have encountered difficulties with their NIN, which has hindered their ability to complete the e-registration process and negatively affected overall turnout in the area.
Dr. Adegbola expressed concern over the development and assured party stakeholders that the issue would be promptly communicated to relevant authorities within the APC hierarchy for necessary intervention. He encouraged affected members not to be discouraged, stressing that their participation remains vital to the success of the exercise and the future of the party in the region.
In addition to party activities, Dr. Adegbola used the opportunity of his visit to pay a condolence visit to the family of the late Hon. Makanjuola Ayoola Makenson, a former commissioner and notable political stakeholder in Oyo State, who passed away recently.
He paid glowing tributes to the late Makenson, describing him as a dedicated public servant whose commitment to public service and political development in the state left an enduring legacy. He offered prayers for the repose of his soul and expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
The tour highlights ongoing efforts within the APC to reinvigorate its grassroots base in Oke Ogun and ensure maximum participation in the e-registration exercise, as party leaders and aspirants continue to engage members ahead of future political activities.
