Former Minister of Communications and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Adebayo Shittu, has declared that his ambition to contest the governorship of Oyo State remains firm, insisting that he possesses the experience and capacity to lead the state if given the opportunity.
Shittu made this known on Wednesday during an exclusive interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5FM, Ilese Ijebu. While reacting to political developments at the national level, the former minister dismissed insinuations that Nigeria is drifting towards a one-party state, attributing recent defections to the APC to the performance and reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rather than intimidation or coercion.
According to him, politicians moving into the ruling party are driven largely by internal crises rocking opposition parties and the perceived stability within the APC. He noted that the ruling party’s growing control of about 28 states and increased presence in the National Assembly reflects confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership. Shittu also acknowledged the economic hardship facing Nigerians but urged patience, describing the ongoing reforms as necessary sacrifices to reset the country after years of misgovernance.
Addressing allegations by opposition figures that defections are being forced, Shittu described such claims as “funny,” arguing that instability within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), particularly at the national leadership level, has made the party unattractive to its members ahead of the 2027 general elections. He maintained that Nigeria’s democratic system still allows for multi-party participation and that the current imbalance is a result of poor management by opposition parties.
On security, Shittu criticised the reported release of suspected bandits by the Katsina State Government under a peace deal, describing the move as “shameful” and capable of emboldening criminality. He warned that granting amnesty to large numbers of criminals sends the wrong signal to society.
Reaffirming his governorship ambition in Oyo State, Shittu described himself as the most experienced aspirant within the APC, citing his service as a legislator, commissioner and minister. He said his chances rest with God, adding that his proposed seven-point agenda would focus on free education, free healthcare, job creation and ICT development if elected
