From Ibadan to Ogbomoso, Oyo and Oke-Ogun, and Ibarapa, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, the governorship candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) in Oyo State has embarked on a ‘Thank You Tour’ which is proving to unite the fronts ahead of the flag-off of the campaigns in the Pacesetter State, writes BUSOLA OWORU.
WHAT started as a simple “Thank You Tour” after his emergence as the governorship candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) has gradually developed into something much bigger for Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi and his running mate, Engr. Muftau Open-Salawu.
At a time when several political parties in Oyo State are still dealing with the aftermath of their primary elections, internal disagreements and realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, the APM has chosen a different path. Rather than focusing on internal disputes, the party has taken its message directly to the people through a statewide tour that has combined appreciation with political mobilisation, consultation and grassroots engagement.
Initially planned as a visit to appreciate party members for their support during the governorship primary, the tour has become one of the earliest statewide political engagements ahead of the February 2027 governorship election.
While campaigns are yet to open, it appears that the former commissioner is using the tour to poke at the opposition parties, harvesting the members into the PDP/APM alliance.
Across different parts of Oyo State, the former Commissioner for Finance has been meeting party leaders, elders, women, youths, traditional stakeholders and supporters, not only to thank them for their confidence in him but also to listen to their concerns and share his vision for the future of the state.
Accompanied by his running mate, Engineer Muftau Open-Salawu, the Oyo State APM Chairman, Hon. Fagbemi Adegbenro Peters, Alliance Chairman Hon. Dayo Ogungbenro, National Assembly candidates, House of Assembly candidates and other party leaders, Adekanmbi has visited Ibarapa, Ido, Oluyole, Akinyele, Ogbomoso, Surulere, Ogo-Oluwa, Oyo Federal Constituency and the Oke-Ogun axis, making the tour one of the party’s first major political outings after its primary election.
Political observers say the significance of the exercise goes beyond routine appreciation visits. In many communities, the engagements resembled town hall meetings where residents interacted directly with the governorship candidate, presenting local challenges while listening to his plans for governance.
Large crowds reportedly welcomed the APM delegation in several communities, with attendance cutting across different political interests, suggesting growing curiosity about the party and its campaign ahead of the 2027 election.
At every stop, one message remained constant—gratitude, unity and hope.
“This tour is not just about saying thank you. It is also about listening to our people. We want to hear their concerns and work together to build a greater Oyo State,” Adekanmbi repeatedly told supporters.
The APM candidate consistently reminded party members that the strength of the party lies in unity rather than individual ambition.
“The task before us is bigger than any individual. We must remain united and work together because only together can we build the Oyo State we all desire,” he said.
That message resonated in communities across Ibarapa, Ogbomoso, Igboho and other parts of Oke-Ogun, where party leaders pledged to close ranks and mobilise members ahead of the next general election.
For many political observers, the tour has also become the first real opportunity for Adekanmbi to present himself beyond the party primary and begin introducing his policy direction to voters across the state.
Rather than limiting the visits to greetings and appreciation, he consistently used each engagement to explain what his administration would prioritise if elected governor.
His campaign message centred on inclusive governance, economic growth, quality education, improved healthcare, stronger security, youth and women empowerment, infrastructure development and social welfare.
Drawing from his experience as former Chairman of the Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), Adekanmbi reminded residents in Surulere, Ogo-Oluwa and neighbouring communities of projects implemented during his tenure.
According to him, several communities benefited from interventions in education, healthcare, water supply and rural infrastructure through community-driven development initiatives.
He argued that development becomes more sustainable when communities themselves identify the projects they need most instead of having projects imposed on them.
“Development is more successful when communities are allowed to identify the projects they truly need. That is the kind of leadership we want to provide,” he said.
He assured residents that no part of Oyo State would be neglected if he eventually becomes governor.
“Our government will focus on grassroots development. Every community will have a voice, and every part of Oyo State will benefit.”
One of the highlights of the statewide tour came in Oyo Federal Constituency, covering Oyo East, Oyo West, Afijio and Atiba Local Government Areas, where Adekanmbi formally introduced what he described as the “Omituntun 3.0” agenda.
According to him, the programme seeks to consolidate the developmental gains already recorded in the state while expanding opportunities in economic development, security, education, employment generation, youth empowerment, women’s empowerment and social welfare.
“Omituntun 3.0 is about taking Oyo State to the next level. We want better education, stronger security, more jobs, improved welfare and development that reaches every community,” he explained.
He maintained that balanced development between urban and rural communities would remain a major priority of his administration.
Beyond politics, the tour also reflected efforts to identify with communities facing difficult moments.
One of such moments was Adekanmbi’s visit to traders affected by the devastating fire incident at Bode Market in Ibadan.
The fire destroyed several shops and goods worth millions of naira, leaving many traders counting heavy losses.
During the visit, the APM governorship candidate donated #2.5 million to support victims.
He described the intervention as a humanitarian gesture, insisting that governance must always place the welfare of the people above politics.
“As important as politics and governance are, they must put the needs of the people first, particularly whenever disasters strike. This is the time for all of us to stand with the victims,” he said.
He also appealed to governments at different levels, private organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to support those who lost their businesses and means of livelihood in the fire.
The tour equally reflected concerns about security challenges confronting parts of the state.
When the APM delegation arrived in Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South and Oriire Local Government Areas, discussions naturally shifted to the kidnapping incident that had shaken the area.
Adekanmbi expressed sadness over the killing of mathematics teacher, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, during the incident.
“The death of Mr. Michael Oyedokun is painful. My prayers are with his family, and I pray that God grants them the strength to bear this great loss,” he said.
At the time of the visit, some pupils and teachers were still being held captive.
Adekanmbi therefore offered prayers for their safe return.
“We pray that the children and teachers still being held captive will return home safely and be reunited with their families.”
His comments, party members said, reflected the need for leaders to identify with communities experiencing pain and uncertainty.
The Ogbomoso visit also attracted several frontline APM candidates, including the party’s Oyo North Senatorial candidate, Hon. Shina Peller; House of Representatives candidate for Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South and Oriire Federal Constituency, Hon. John Oke Abioye; Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin, Hon. Bunmi Oluranti and Hon. Akinola Johnson Ogundele.
In Surulere and Ogo-Oluwa Local Government Areas, Adekanmbi was received alongside the party’s House of Representatives candidate for Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency, Hon. Sunday Ojo Makanjuola, popularly known as SMATO, and the House of Assembly candidate, Hon. Abideen Adeoye Ogundare.
Their presence, alongside other party leaders, reinforced the message that the thank-you tour was not just about one candidate but about presenting a united political family ahead of the next election.
The same atmosphere was witnessed in Igboho, where party members from Irepo, Oorelope and Olorunsogo Local Government Areas gathered to receive the delegation.
Again, Adekanmbi emphasised unity and inclusive leadership.
“The strength of the APM is our unity. We must avoid divisions and continue to work together as one family,” he said.
He assured party members that fairness, consultation and inclusiveness would define his style of governance.
“No one will be left behind. Every member of our party and every community in Oyo State will have a sense of belonging. We will always consult our leaders and the people before taking major decisions.”
Party stakeholders also reaffirmed their commitment to the APM during the various engagements.
Speaking on behalf of leaders in Oyo Federal Constituency, Alhaji Maroof Akinwande, Alhaji Maroof Atilola, Chief Sunday Ogunlade and Hon. Oyeleke Idowu pledged their support for Adekanmbi and promised to mobilise members ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Across the various stops, the presence of party leaders, candidates and supporters projected an image of unity that the APM hopes to build upon as the election draws closer.
Political analysts believe that, although the official campaign period has yet to begin, the statewide thank-you tour has effectively enabled the party to test its grassroots structures, reconnect with supporters and gather first-hand information about issues affecting different communities.
The engagements also provided Adekanmbi with an opportunity to introduce himself to voters beyond his traditional political base while allowing residents to interact with him directly.
By combining appreciation with consultation, humanitarian interventions, policy discussions and party mobilisation, the APM has arguably concluded the first phase of its political engagement ahead of the formal campaign season.
Attention is now expected to shift toward strengthening party structures, refining policy proposals and expanding voter engagement across the state.
Whether the goodwill generated during the thank-you tour will ultimately translate into electoral victory in February 2027 is for the people of Oyo State to decode.
