The Chairman of the Oyo State Housing Corporation and chieftain of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), Hon. Demola Omotoso, has strongly condemned the reported destruction and vandalism of a campaign billboard erected by the APM at Total Garden, Ibadan North Local Government Area, describing the incident as an unfortunate display of intolerance and undemocratic conduct.
The billboard, which reportedly carried the inscription, “Keep Off, Ibadan North Belongs to APM,” was allegedly vandalised by individuals suspected to be supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC), an action Omotoso said was unnecessary, provocative and contrary to the principles of democratic political engagement.
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Speaking while addressing journalists, Omotoso said he was not entirely surprised by the development, alleging that the APC had repeatedly demonstrated an attitude of political aggression and intolerance whenever confronted with opposing political expressions.
He maintained that rather than engaging in constructive political competition, those responsible for the destruction had allegedly resorted to actions capable of creating unnecessary tension and provoking hostility among residents.
According to him, the incident raises fundamental questions about the APC’s understanding of democratic competition, particularly in a politically conscious constituency such as Ibadan North.
“Are there no other political parties in Ibadan North? Why is the APC so uncomfortable with a billboard expressing the position of another political party? If they disagree with the message, the appropriate response should be to present their own achievements and convince the people, not resort to vandalism,” he said.
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Omotoso further argued that the inscription on the billboard was a political expression of the APM’s confidence in its presence and activities in Ibadan North, insisting that disagreement with such a message should never become an excuse for destroying another party’s property.
He challenged the APC to embrace issue-based campaigns by presenting its achievements, policy direction and development agenda to the electorate rather than engaging in acts capable of undermining peaceful political participation.
The APM chieftain also questioned what he described as the APC’s apparent discomfort with the political atmosphere in Ibadan North, arguing that the party should concentrate on explaining what it intends to offer residents rather than attempting to silence competing political voices.
Omotoso maintained that the APM had sufficient reasons to express confidence in its political standing in the constituency, pointing to what he described as the performance of the Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade, as well as the contributions of the federal lawmaker representing Ibadan north federal constituency, hon. Folajimi Oyekunle DON and the two members representing Ibadan North State Constituencies I and II, Hon. Olufunke Comforter and Hon. Babajide Gabriel.
He argued that the records of these elected representatives should form part of the political conversation ahead of the 2027 general elections, challenging the APC to provide a convincing account of what its own representatives have delivered to the people.
Taking a swipe at the APC governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, Omotoso also referenced his tenure as Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, alleging that his administration left behind outstanding salary obligations and that civil servants who protested over unpaid salaries were locked up.
He questioned why the APC would expect residents to disregard such historical controversies without providing explanations, insisting that political parties must be prepared to subject their records to public scrutiny.
According to Omotoso, the APC should be explaining how its proposed administration would improve on the developmental initiatives currently being pursued by the APM-led government in Oyo State, rather than resorting to the destruction of campaign materials.
“What is expected of the APC is to tell the people why they should not support the APM. They should present their achievements, explain what they intend to do differently and convince the electorate with credible ideas. Destroying billboards will not answer these questions.
“But there is something fundamental: you cannot give what you do not have. The people are increasingly interested in issues, performance and tangible development. They deserve political engagement that respects their intelligence,” he stated.
Omotoso further called on the APC to apologise to Nigerians for what he described as the economic hardship experienced during its years in power at the federal level, arguing that the party should devote more attention to addressing public concerns over the rising cost of living, poverty and the affordability of essential commodities.
He maintained that political parties should prioritise peaceful engagement, accountability and issue-based campaigns rather than actions capable of escalating political disagreements into violence.
The Housing Corporation chairman also expressed confidence in the political direction of the APM in Oyo State, declaring his support for hon. Abimbola Adekanmbi to govern Oyo state come 2027 and Governor Seyi Makinde’s political vision and his ambition to lead Nigeria, with an agenda he described as a plan to reset the country.
He said the APM’s political message should be judged through its governance record, developmental initiatives and the experiences of residents across the state.
Omotoso consequently called on the APC and its supporters to desist from the destruction of political billboards and other campaign materials, urging the party to demonstrate its political strength through constructive engagement and issue-based campaigns.
He concluded by reiterating that the APM would not be intimidated by acts of alleged vandalism, maintaining that the political slogan, “Keep Off, Ibadan North Belongs to APM,” reflected the party’s confidence in its political base.
He challenged the APC to demonstrate, through verifiable achievements and clearly articulated development proposals, why the people of Ibadan North should consider its alternative, stressing that democratic competition must be driven by ideas, performance and peaceful political engagement rather than confrontation.
