The Oyo South senatorial candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) and member representing Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives,  Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide Odidiomo, has urged party members in Ibadan South-West Local Government to set aside their differences and unite behind the party’s consensus candidate ahead of the December 2026 local government elections.

Olajide made the appeal while addressing an enlarged meeting of party leaders, ward executives, members and stakeholders from the local government at his Adeoyo residence in Ibadan.

The meeting was convened to reconcile aggrieved members following the emergence of the party’s consensus candidate for the forthcoming council poll.

The two-term federal lawmaker urged members to place the collective interest of the party above personal ambitions, stressing that internal disagreements should not be allowed to undermine the growing strength of the APM.

According to him, leadership comes with the responsibility of taking difficult decisions and accepting the consequences.

“You gave me the mandate I am using at present, and I remain accountable to every member of this party. I am with you all. My father taught me that once you become a leader, you must learn to take the blame.

“I told our leaders that whatever the outcome of the process of choosing our candidate, I was prepared to accept responsibility,” he said.

Olajide, who recalled his own experience of political disappointment, said he understood the feelings of members affected by the consensus arrangement.

“I was once a victim myself. When I aspired to become governor, I was instead offered the Senate ticket. I know how it feels. That is why I appeal to everyone here today to allow peace to reign.

“Let us all work for the interest of our party and support the choice that has emerged,” he added.

The lawmaker disclosed that he had immediately engaged Governor Seyi Makinde following the controversy surrounding the consensus process, expressing confidence that the governor’s position was informed by the party’s long-term political interests.

“I spoke with the governor the day after the decision was made. He is being strategic on this issue. We must remain focused and must not allow this development to divide us.

“The party is supreme in politics. This local government election is a litmus test for us in APM and our responsibility now is to unite and deliver victory for our party,” Olajide said.

He warned party members against actions capable of creating divisions, saying political opponents could exploit any disagreement within the party.

“Our detractors are waiting for us to have problems in APM, but this is strictly an internal family affair and we are resolving it internally. We must not give anyone the opportunity to benefit from our differences.

“It is only God who gives positions,” he said.

Reassuring members of his continued support, Olajide pledged not to abandon those who had remained loyal to him and the party.

“I stand with you. I appreciate your loyalty and sacrifice. The level of support is unprecedented and I will never take it for granted.

“I will always protect your interest and I assure you that none of us will lose out,” he declared.

Olajide also announced that the 1,085 party members who attended the meeting would benefit from an empowerment programme within the next few weeks.

He said the data of the beneficiaries had already been compiled, assuring members that nobody would be left out.

“We have collected your data. None of you will be left out. I have made adequate provision for everyone who came here today because I value your commitment to our party.

“By the grace of God, Ibadan South-West Local Government will continue to wax stronger. We shall remain one united family,” he said.

Earlier, the Political Head of Ibadan West Local Council Development Area, Hon. Adeniyi Tajudeen Adigun, also appealed to party leaders and members to embrace reconciliation and work together for the overall interest of the APM.

Among the party leaders and stakeholders present at the meeting were the former Chairman of  the council, Hon. Tajudeen Alesinloye; Political Head of Ibadan West LCDA, Alhaji Tajudeen Adigun (ATU); Hon. Taoheed Ayorinde; Alhaji Bukola Tirimisiyu; Pa. Adebisi Adesina; Pastor Taiwo Tibonyin; Alhaji Tajudeen Adeladan; Alhaji Tesleem Olaide; Hon. Moruf Balogun (Murphy); and Hon. Kunle Folarin (Baale), among others.