A chairmanship aspirant under the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Mr. Adeniran Joel Adedapo, has formally declared his intention to contest for the chairmanship position of Atiba Local Government ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
Joel made the declaration today, during a meeting with APM leaders, stakeholders, executives, and ward chairmen in Atiba Local Government, where he outlined his vision for grassroots development and pledged to prioritize the welfare of residents if elected.
Addressing party faithful, the aspirant expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity and commended party leaders and executives for their commitment to strengthening the party at the grassroots level.
Providing a brief background of his educational and professional journey, Joel said he was born in Kaduna and hails from Yanbi Compound, Isale-Oyo, Oyo State. He attended Aatan Baptist Nursery and Primary School and later Isale-Oyo Commercial Grammar School. He obtained both National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in Town Planning from Kwara State Polytechnic before earning a Postgraduate Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) in 2002.
He also highlighted his experience in public service, having recruited at the local level and later worked in the Oyo State Civil Service through the Ministry of Urban and Regional planning before his retirement.
Speaking on his vision for Atiba Local Government, Joel emphasized that the local government remains the closest tier of government to the people and should serve as a catalyst for meaningful development.
He sympathized with the families of the abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government and called for sustained efforts to ensure their safe return.
The aspirant identified education, primary healthcare, infrastructure, social amenities, and grassroots development as key priorities of his proposed administration.
He lamented the inadequate provision of potable water in many communities and promised to address water challenges through sustainable and community-friendly solutions.
Joel also stressed the strategic importance of Atiba Local Government due to its vast landmass and proximity to neighbouring areas, assuring residents that available resources would be judiciously utilized and equitably distributed.
According to him, his administration would be guided by transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness.
He outlined his key priorities to include:
Strengthening grassroots security through collaboration with security agencies and community stakeholders.
•Expanding rural and urban infrastructure, including road construction and rehabilitation.
•Promoting economic empowerment through support for small businesses and youth development initiatives.
•Improving access to quality primary healthcare and basic education.
•Implementing people-oriented budgets to address socio-economic challenges and improve residents’ quality of life.
Joel appealed to party leaders and members for their support, assuring them of his commitment to fostering unity within the party and delivering effective governance if elected.
“After extensive consultations with my family, community leaders, party stakeholders, and the good people of Atiba Local Government, I have decided to offer myself for service.
Together, we can build a local government that serves as a model of good governance,” he said.
Joel also commended the developmental strides of the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, noting that the administration’s commitment to infrastructure renewal, education, healthcare, and economic growth has positively impacted residents across the state. He further expressed support for the “3.0 Agenda” being championed by APM governorship hopeful, Bimbo Adekanmbi, describing it as a progressive vision aimed at consolidating good governance, accelerating development, and expanding opportunities for the people of Oyo State.
Joel stated that the agenda aligns with the aspirations of the masses for a more prosperous and inclusive state.
The chairmanship aspirant also appreciated prominent leaders and stakeholders of the party, including Monsurat Sunmonu, Gbenga Oyekola, Idowu Oyeleke, and Seun Ashamu, for their leadership, guidance, and unwavering commitment to strengthening the Allied Peoples Movement in Oyo State. He described their contributions to the growth and stability of the party as invaluable and worthy of emulation by younger politicians.
Several party leaders who spoke at the event commended the aspirant for his vision and commitment to grassroots development.
Among them were Hon. Wale Ajibade (popularly known as Yomoko), Atiba APM Organising Secretary Mr. Nathaniel Oyedotun, Hon. Abass Afonja Eruda, Chief Mrs. Akinpelu, and former State Treasurer of the party, Mr. Oladimeji Olanrewaju (Baba Oja), who urged Joel to maintain party unity and pursue his ambition with maturity and respect for democratic principles.
The Chairman of APM in Atiba Local Government, Mr. Isiaka Adejare Ayinde, described the party as a formidable political force in Oyo State and encouraged the aspirant to align his ambitions with the developmental aspirations of the people.
Ayinde further urged Joel to focus on policies that would promote economic growth, attract investments, and improve living standards across the Atiba Local Government.
The declaration meeting was attended by party executives, ward leaders, stakeholders, and supporters, including Alhaji Quadri Olatunji, Alhaji Akinola Sulaimon Ajepe, Hon. Wale Ajibade, Baba Adesokan, Hon. Razaq Asiwaju, former Sooro LCDA Political Head Hon. Seun Oguntona Olunloyo, and other prominent APM leaders in the local government.
The event was followed by a separate engagement with ward chairmen, youth leaders, women leaders, vice chairmen, and secretaries from all wards in Atiba Local Government as part of Joel’s consultation tour ahead of the party’s nomination process.
