A large turnout of members of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) on Friday attended the party’s general meeting in Atiba Local Government, where Surveyor Muideen Oyedele Tijani formally declared his intention to contest for the chairmanship position ahead of the 2026 local government election.
The gathering, which attracted party leaders, stakeholders, ward executives and supporters from across the local government, also served as a platform for the party to intensify grassroots mobilisation and preparations for the forthcoming elections.
Officially declaring his ambition, Surveyor Muideen Tijani expressed gratitude to God for his political journey and appreciated party leaders for their unwavering support.
He specifically acknowledged former Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Senator Monsurat Olajumoke Sunmonu, Atiba stakeholders, local government executives, ward chairmen, and party faithful for their encouragement.
Introducing himself to members, Tijani said he hails from Ward 9, Baale Agbe Compound, Oyo Township. Born in 1970, he attended L.A. Primary School in Saabo before proceeding to Isale Oyo Community Grammar School for his secondary education.
He obtained a National Diploma from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and a Higher National Diploma from the Federal School of Surveying, Oyo.
He later acquired a Professional Diploma in Surveying and Geo-Informatics and successfully passed the professional examinations of the Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON), becoming a licensed surveyor. He also holds a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) degree in Civil Engineering from the Federal University Oye-Ekiti and disclosed that he is preparing for postgraduate studies.
Speaking about his public service experience, Tijani recalled serving as Supervisory Councillor for Health in Atiba Local Government between 2008 and 2011, during which he contributed to community-based healthcare initiatives.
He also served as Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Atiba Local Government from 2018 to 2022, during which he strengthened the party’s grassroots structures and coordinated political activities across the council.
He currently serves as the Supervisory Councillor for Works in Atiba Local Government, contributing to infrastructural development and the execution of projects aimed at improving residents’ welfare.
Tijani said his formal declaration before party members was to officially seek their mandate and blessings for the chairmanship race. He appealed for the support and prayers of party leaders, stakeholders, and members, assuring them that if elected, he would unite the party, promote inclusive leadership, and ensure that the dividends of democracy reach every part of Atiba Local Government.
He further pledged to run an administration anchored on transparency, accountability, and people-oriented development.
The chairmanship aspirant also commended Governor Seyi Makinde for the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government, describing the development as a demonstration of responsive leadership.
He equally supported the governor’s call for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the abduction to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Addressing members, the Atiba APM Chairman, Mr. Isiaka Adejare Ayinde, lauded the aspirant for showcasing his aspiration, making it realistic with good steps taken.
He, however, urged eligible residents to take advantage of the ongoing Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Continuous Voter Registration exercise, particularly new voters, those seeking transfer of voter registration, and individuals requiring replacement of lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
He described the APM as a formidable political force in Oyo State, expressing confidence that candidates flying the party’s flag in future elections would emerge victorious.
Ayinde stressed the need for members to commence aggressive grassroots mobilisation through door-to-door campaigns and proper documentation of prospective members to strengthen the party ahead of the polls.
In their separate remarks, party chieftains, including Mr. Sola Ogunsina and Mr. Babatunde Kazeem, urged all aspirants within the APM to embark on sustained grassroots engagement and public awareness campaigns to deepen the party’s acceptance among the electorate.
They also cautioned members against activities capable of undermining the party’s unity, stressing that loyalty and collective commitment remain essential to APM’s success in the forthcoming elections.
Speaking on behalf of party stakeholders, Alhaji Quadri Olatunji described Tijani as a seasoned grassroots politician whose previous leadership as Atiba PDP Chairman reflected his capacity to build strong political structures and foster unity.
According to him, Tijani possesses the administrative experience and political maturity required to lead Atiba Local Government effectively if elected.
Olatunji also commended Senator Monsurat Olajumoke Sunmonu for her sustained contributions to the development of Oyo Federal Constituency and acknowledged the leadership of the Chief Whip of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Gbenga Joseph Oyekola, for his continued commitment to the growth of Atiba Local Government.
He urged the aspirant to remain steadfast, prayerful, and committed to serving the people, expressing optimism that with God’s guidance and the support of stakeholders, his ambition could become a reality.
The meeting ended with renewed commitment by party members to strengthen the APM’s grassroots structure and intensify mobilisation ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
