Former senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Mohammed Kola Balogun, has declared that political figures who allegedly worked against his return to the Senate are now facing the consequences of their actions amid the deepening internal crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State.
Balogun made the remarks during an appearance on Gbangba Lasaata, a socio-political and current affairs programme aired on Splash FM 105.5 and hosted by veteran broadcaster Abiodun Adewole.
The former lawmaker, who represented Oyo South Senatorial District between 2019 and 2023 under the platform of the APC, said he had made efforts to return to the National Assembly but was allegedly sidelined through political manipulation and deception within the party structure.
Speaking candidly during the interview, Balogun stated that those who orchestrated moves against his political ambition are now battling internal disagreements and setbacks within the APC.
“I came out for Oyo South senatorial, but I was dribbled. I was deceived. But those that deceived me are now being deceived as we speak. Nobody will dribble me and not get dribbled. They are few like this, but they are now meeting their Waterloo,” he said.
His comments come at a critical moment for the APC in Oyo State following controversies surrounding the party’s recently concluded primaries. The exercise has triggered protests, dissatisfaction, and allegations of irregularities among some aspirants and party stakeholders, further exposing divisions within the opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Despite the growing tension, Balogun described post-primary disputes as a normal part of democratic politics, stressing that political disagreements are not exclusive to the APC alone.
According to him, internal disputes often emerge after competitive electoral processes, especially in a politically active environment like Oyo State.
“Given the level of political development in the past, it used to be worse than this. The aggrieved ones would go to the appeal committee to express themselves. It is not just the same in APC; the system is everywhere. There must be some fallout when we have such process,” he explained.
The former senator, however, expressed confidence in the APC’s internal conflict resolution mechanisms, insisting that the party possesses structures capable of reconciling aggrieved members before the next electoral cycle.
Reacting to questions concerning the political moves of Bayo Adelabu and the Oyo APC governorship race, Balogun maintained that every aspirant has the constitutional right to pursue political ambition within the party framework.
“He is entitled to every step he wants to take, but APC has its own peculiar conflict resolution mechanism. At some point, the mechanism will be put in place and all conflicts will be resolved,” Balogun stated.
The former senator further emphasized that members of the APC remain determined to reclaim the Oyo State Government House from the ruling party in the next gubernatorial election.
“As a party, we have a reason to ensure APC returns to Government House,” he added.
Balogun also addressed speculations surrounding his own political future. While refusing to categorically confirm or deny a possible return to elective politics, he noted that politics remains highly unpredictable and subject to changing circumstances.
“If you ask me today, I will tell you no, I’m not contesting. Don’t hold that against me. Twenty-four hours is a lot of time in politics. I won’t say no or yes,” he said.
His remarks have since generated reactions among political observers and party loyalists, especially as alignments and realignments continue to shape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections in Oyo State.
Balogun concluded by stressing that political relevance should not be measured solely by the number of years spent in office, but rather by the quality of service and impact made while occupying public positions.
“It is not how many times you serve; it is what you make of that position,” he concluded.
0 Comments