A governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Saheed Oladele, has announced his resignation from the party, citing what he described as the marginalisation of young people in leadership roles.
Oladele, who holds the traditional title of Bameeko of Ibadanland, confirmed that his resignation takes immediate effect in a letter dated April 7, 2026, and personally signed by him.
The former aspirant, a member of Ward 4 in Ibadan North Local Government Area, expressed appreciation to party leaders, stakeholders, and associates for their support during his time in the APC.
In the letter, Oladele reflected on his journey within the party, noting that he had served with commitment and dedication since its formation. He emphasised that his gubernatorial ambition was driven not only by personal goals but also by a desire to promote unity and strengthen party structures across Oyo State.
He also highlighted his involvement in fostering cohesion among party stakeholders, stating that he worked to build bridges and encourage a shared vision for the state’s development.
A strong advocate of youth inclusion, Oladele said he consistently championed the “youth o’clock” movement, pushing for greater participation of young people in governance and decision-making processes.
However, he expressed disappointment over what he described as the party’s reluctance to empower young leaders. According to him, recent developments within the APC in Oyo State indicate that youths are often engaged without being given real influence.
Oladele noted that this approach contradicts his vision of a progressive and inclusive political system that aligns with global standards.
He stressed that his commitment to public service and the welfare of the people outweighs loyalty to any political platform that does not prioritise collective advancement.
“With this in mind, I hereby resign my membership of the APC with immediate effect,” he stated.
Despite his exit, Oladele reaffirmed his dedication to the unity, progress, and development of Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.
