President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State and emphasised the critical need for electoral reforms to strengthen Nigeria's democracy. The President's message was delivered on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, at the eighth Senator Abiola Ajimobi Roundtable held at the University of Ibadan.
A Tribute to Ajimobi and a Call for Party Unity
Represented by the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zaccheus Adedeji, President Tinubu described unity within the Oyo State APC as the finest tribute to the late former governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi. The event, themed “Pathways to Electoral Credibility: Performing Political Parties, Re-engineering Citizens, and Restoring Trust in Nigerian Democracy,” also marked Ajimobi's 76th posthumous birthday.
Tinubu eulogised Ajimobi as a committed progressive who served with distinction and zeal. He highlighted the former governor's achievements, including breaking the second-term jinx in Oyo State, pioneering an urban renewal programme, and restoring peace to the state. The President urged party members to work together to reclaim power in Oyo State in the 2027 general elections, stating firmly, “This is achievable. And this must be achieved.”
Economic Progress and Forthcoming Tax Relief
In his address, President Tinubu also provided an update on the nation's economy, linking current reforms to the kind of tough decisions Ajimobi believed in. He stated that the reforms are yielding positive results, with growing GDP, declining inflation, and an improving fiscal deficit.
The President assured Nigerians of relief through new tax laws set to take effect next year. He explained that these laws would exempt essential items like food, medication, education, agriculture, and shared transportation from burdensome taxes, offering significant benefits to low-income earners and small businesses.
Stakeholders Reflect on Democratic Challenges
The roundtable featured remarks from other prominent leaders who echoed the call for a stronger democracy. Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, emphasised that democracy must reflect the character of the people, not just elections. He praised the Tinubu administration's record of success since 2023.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, described the event as a critical platform to engage with issues facing Nigeria's democracy. He stressed that rebuilding trust requires sincerity, accountability, and inclusive governance from political leaders.
The keynote lecturer, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, issued a stark warning based on declining voter turnout. He noted a drop from 69% in 2003 to 25% in 2023, calling it a sign of eroding public faith. “There is nothing worse to preserve a system than when a sizable proportion of the population begins to lose faith and trust in the system,” Gambari said. He ruled out military rule or a one-party state as alternatives, warning that election rigging leads to disaster.
Other discussants, including Professor Gbade Ojo from the University of Ilorin, critiqued the lack of ideology and internal democracy within Nigerian political parties, which often leaves them vulnerable to control by wealthy interests.
In her welcome address, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, widow of the late governor, thanked President Tinubu for his consistent support and commitment to the principles of good governance championed by the roundtable.
