2023: APC, ZLP begin merger talks in Oyo

The All Progressives Congress (APC) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in Oyo State have commenced merger talks ahead of the 2023 election.

Major stakeholders from both parties met at the Premier Hotel in Ibadan on Friday.

The APC group was led by the Chairman of the party’s Caretaker Committee in the state, Chief Akin Oke, while the ZLP candidate in the 2019 governorship election in state, Alhaji Sharafadeen Alli, led its party’s team to the talk.

Also on the APC team were – Senator Teslim Folarin, Segun Odebunmi, Akeem Adeyemi and Asimiyu Alarape.

Others were – the Secretary of the APC Caretaker Committee in the state, Mojeed Olaiya; Chief Lowo Obisesan, Dr. Olusola Ayandele, Yinka Taiwo, and Mr. Olawale Sadare.

Those on the ZLP delegation were – Bimbo Adepoju, Waheed Akanbi, Alhaji Serifat Tanimowo, Mrs. Monisola Tegbe, Idowu Olaniyan, Kazeem Raji, and Mr. Koyejo Oyetunde.

The spokesperson of the APC group, Mr. Wale Ohu, told journalists that both parties were at the meeting to deliberate on the possible merger and future elections.

He said: “We discussed how to move this party forward, to move the state forward and the signals were very impressive.

“The ZLP symbolised by Ladoja group and the APC led by our own party chairman, Chief Akin Oke, are here for deliberation and consultation. That is why we are here.

“It was a nice one. We are looking at the possibility of working together as politicians that we have been in Oyo State.

“The faces are not new, we know ourselves.

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“We look at the possibility of making Oyo State better if we can now work together. That is the paramount thing in our mind and that is the essence of the sitting.

“I think we are progressing. The meeting was a very nice one as old hands met, threw banters and we had consultations.”

He said the meeting was about the APC as a party which had former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala as a member and ZLP with ex-Governor Rasheed Ladoja as a member.

The ZLP spokesman, Mr. Adeolu Adeleke, confirmed the meeting.

He, however, said they were yet to take a precise decision on the matter.

He said they would also meet with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a few days.

“This is a period of consultations. We are not members of PDP.

“We have met with APC at the state level. In a couple of days, we are going to meet with PDP also.

“The final decision will be taken on a particular party we will work with. So, we are just meeting ourselves,” Adeleke said.

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