He visit of three All Progressives Congress (APC) northern governors to a former governor of Oyo State, Chief Rashidi Ladoja, in his Ibadan residence on August 15 is still a subject of discussion among politicians and watchers. It is seen as a move that may reshape both the next presidential and governorship elections in the state. The team was led by the Chairman, National Convention Planning Committee of the party, Mai Mala Buni. Others were Kebbi and Jigawa state governors Atiku Bagudu and Abubakar Badaru; a former Speaker, House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, and Sen. Fatai Buhari, who is representing Oyo North District. An APC chieftain, who is a staunch Ladoja’s ally Chief Sharafadeen Alli was also at the meeting.
According to reliable sources, the governors also visited a leader of the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) Dr Kunle Olajide, the Aare Musulumi of Yoruba land Alh. Dawud Akinola, and an elitist Muslim organisation in Southwest, MUSWEN.
They held a closed-door meeting for about one hour before departing the capital city for Akure, the Ondo State capital, it was learnt.
A source confirmed that the APC leaders discussed two broad issues: the well-being of Nigeria and the need for Ladoja to join the APC. The Nation learnt that the governors expressed concern about how Nigeria will get better through good leadership that will foster unity and offer good governance. To achieve the lofty dreams, the governors told Ladoja that his experience and track record showed that he has a role to play in making Nigeria better, even if he does not contest any election.
Another source said the governors emphasized the importance of Oyo State in Southwest and Nigerian politics at large and, therefore, requested the politician to join the train of the APC in its dream of building a better Nigeria.
It was learnt that Ladoja expressed gratitude for the recognition and the visit and bared his mind about national issues, which the country is grappling with, stressing that only good governance can solve the problems. On the request to join the APC, Ladoja did not give an emphatic response. “He just said: ‘Your request is well noted.” The source said
