Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Yunus Abiodun Akintunde, has extended a hand of fellowship to his co-aspirants and party faithful following his emergence as the Senatorial Candidate of the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 general election, declaring that the time had come for all stakeholders to unite for the progress of the party and the development of the district.
Akintunde, who expressed deep gratitude to party leaders, delegates and supporters across the district, described his victory at the party primary as “a sacred trust” and a renewed call to greater service and sacrifice.
In a personally signed appreciation message released on Tuesday, the lawmaker said his emergence reflected the collective will, maturity and resilience of APC members across Oyo Central, stressing that the victory belonged to the entire party structure and not to him alone.
“My heart is full. With deep humility and profound gratitude to Almighty God, I want to say a massive thank you to the leadership, stakeholders and vibrant members of our great party for the overwhelming trust and confidence reposed in me,” he said.
“This is not just a political victory for me. It is a sacred trust and a profound call to deeper service, greater sacrifice and unyielding commitment to the dreams and aspirations of our people.”
The senator noted that the peaceful outcome of the primary election demonstrated the unity and organisational strength of the APC in the district, describing the exercise as a reflection of the party’s shared commitment to sustaining progress and political stability in Oyo Central.
Akintunde specially acknowledged the support of the national and state leadership of the APC, ward executives, delegates, youths, women groups, grassroots mobilisers, elders and political associates for what he termed their “steadfastness and belief in the journey.”
He also reserved glowing tributes for his fellow aspirants, praising their maturity, civility and sportsmanship throughout the primary process.
“To my respected co-aspirants, I salute your maturity, sportsmanship and deep love for our party. Together, we have proven that our shared belief in the progress of Oyo Central is greater than any individual interest,” he stated.
In what political observers described as a strategic reconciliation move aimed at consolidating APC’s strength ahead of the general election, Akintunde declared that the internal contest had ended and urged all aggrieved interests within the party to close ranks.
“Today, the internal contest is over. We remain one indivisible APC family, bound by a common destiny and singular vision for the advancement of our people and the prosperity of Oyo State. My doors remain wide open and I stretch forth a hand of fellowship to you all,” he added.
The senator further appealed for sustained support, prayers and cooperation from party faithful as preparations begin for the 2027 elections, stressing that unity and collective effort remained critical to securing victory at the polls.
He said: “The road ahead demands unity of purpose. We must remain focused, peaceful and resolute in our goal to build an economically vibrant, inclusive and stronger Oyo Central.”
Quoting former American President, Abraham Lincoln, Akintunde noted that “elections belong to the people,” while also invoking the views of political philosopher Alexis de Tocqueville on democratic participation and civic responsibility.
Political analysts say Akintunde’s conciliatory tone and emphasis on party unity may help strengthen APC’s internal cohesion in Oyo Central as political alignments gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle in Oyo State.
