No rift with Senator Folarin, says Hon. Alabi
The lawmaker representing Egbeda/Ona Ara Federal Constituency of Oyo State in the House of Representatives, Akin Alabi has dismissed reports of a rift between him and former Senate leader, Teslim Folarin.
He described Senator Folarin as a unifying force within the APC in Oyo State, stressing that he holds him in the highest regard.
In a statement titled: “No rift in Oyo APC and no one can come in between Senator Teslim Folarin and I”, Alabi said: “My attention has been drawn to a publication suggesting that there is a rift within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State and alleging certain actions by Distinguished Senator Teslim Folarin, OFR.
“I wish to state clearly that there is no crisis or rift in Oyo State APC. The recently concluded ward, local government and state congresses are clear evidence of the unity within our party. These exercises were conducted peacefully and successfully across the state, reflecting the maturity and cohesion of our members.
“My relationship with Distinguished Senator Teslim Folarin remains intact. NO ONE CAN COME IN BETWEEN US. He remains my leader and big uncle and as the Agba Akin Olubadan of Ibadanland, he remains my senior, by far, within the Olubadan line. I hold him in the highest regard and continue to respect his leadership and contributions to the progress of our party.
“I also know Senator Folarin too well to engage in discussions or actions aimed at determining or undermining the future of other candidates. Such conduct would be completely inconsistent with his character and political philosophy.
“Furthermore, anyone who observed his demeanor during the recently concluded APC congresses will attest to the role he played in ensuring that the process remained peaceful and orderly.
“Given his conduct and commitment to party unity, it is difficult to imagine him engaging in actions that could divide members of the party.
“Senator Folarin remains a unifying force within the APC in Oyo State. As the head of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Oyo State, he is firmly focused on mobilizing support and working towards delivering victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all APC candidates in the 2027 general elections.
“It is therefore important that we remain focused on strengthening our party and advancing the collective interests of our members and the good people of Oyo State.”