Ogun APC chieftain slams critics of Tinubu’s economic reforms

By Adejoke Adeleye/ Ogun

A chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, Chief Iyabo Apampa, has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, claiming that many of those criticizing the administration are doing so because they no longer benefit from what she described as “free money.”

Apampa made the remarks on Thursday in Abeokuta during a meeting of Caucus 7202 Coalition, a political support group backing the governorship ambition of Senator Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, ahead of the 2027 Ogun State governorship election.

According to her, the current economic policies of the Tinubu administration are aimed at repositioning the country despite the temporary hardship being experienced by Nigerians.

“Those criticizing Mr. President’s economic reforms are no longer getting free money. That is why they do not see the beauty in what our President is doing,” she said.

She added that the developmental strides of the Ogun State government had strengthened the belief among many residents that Senator Adeola would deliver even more if elected governor in 2027.

“We have seen what our governor has done in the state, and the people believe Senator Olamilekan Adeola Yayi will also perform. That is why we are here,” Apampa stated.

She urged non-politicians, particularly artisans and grassroots residents, to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and actively participate in elections, stressing that politicians alone cannot determine election outcomes.

“We are here to encourage our people, especially those who are not politicians, to register for their voter cards and come out to vote. Politicians are less than 20 percent of the voting population,” she said.

The event attracted artisans from various trades across Ogun State, who were advised not to be influenced by financial inducements or political manipulation ahead of future elections.

Also speaking, Hon. Akeem Adebayo Amosun commended the large turnout of participants and urged them to resist deception by politicians seeking votes through inducements.

He emphasized that elections are won through numbers and active voter participation, noting that the coalition’s objective was to educate and mobilize artisans and other grassroots members on their civic responsibilities.

“Politics is about numbers and the people. We are here to sensitize our members, especially artisans, on what is expected of them before the election. One of our biggest challenges is that many people do not register to vote, and even those who register fail to come out on election day. Later, they complain about the government.

“We are encouraging everyone to register and obtain their voter cards because without voters, there can be no election,” Amosun said.

Also speaking at the event, the Director General of Caucus 7202, Mr Olaseni Koiki said the mission behind the meeting was to target a selected numbers of groups from Caucus 7202 who are active professional and artisans to support Yayi and to encourage them to be steadfast when voting in January and February for all APC candidates in the state.

He urged them to go back home and canvass their neighbors towards the coming election to vote for all APC candidates, but more importantly to get registered.