The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Ibarapa Central/Ibarapa North Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections, Hon. Sarafa Olaito Olaoniye, popularly known as Bibire, has inaugurated a 167-member campaign council to coordinate his campaign activities across the constituency.
The inauguration and swearing-in ceremony took place on Monday, November 9, at Baba Aso Hall, Igboora, where party members and stakeholders drawn from different communities and professional backgrounds were inaugurated into various leadership positions and directorates.
The campaign council comprises a leadership structure, 17 directorates and an Advisory Council, with responsibilities spanning grassroots mobilisation, media and strategic communication, election coordination, youth and women mobilisation, security, logistics and other critical areas of campaign operations.
In his remarks, Olaoniye described the inauguration as an important step in the party’s preparations for the forthcoming elections, stressing that electoral victory would require collective commitment, strategic organisation, discipline and effective grassroots mobilisation.
He expressed confidence in the capacity of the inaugurated members, noting that their experience, networks and commitment would be valuable in taking the party’s message to wards, communities and households across the constituency.
Calls for Issue-based Campaign
Olaoniye said a major resolution reached at the meeting was that the campaign would be conducted with maturity, decency and mutual respect, without resorting to insults, disparaging remarks or unnecessary personal attacks against candidates of other political parties.
Olaoniye endorsed the resolution and urged the campaign council members, supporters and well-wishers to uphold the position throughout the electioneering period.
He said political engagement should focus on ideas, competence, character, records of service, development and the future of the constituency, adding that political differences should not turn opponents into enemies.
“Our politics must be about ideas, competence, character, records of service, development and the future we envision for our people. We can disagree on political choices without becoming enemies. We can promote our candidacy without diminishing the dignity of others,” Olaoniye said.
Campaign Council Leadership and Directorates
The campaign council is headed by Hon. Olaoniye Sarafa Olaito as Chairman, with Hon. Salaudeen Tajudeen Amoo as Co-Chairman.
Hon. Francis Tunji Omolewu was appointed Director-General, while Hon. Waliu Egunbambi will serve as Deputy Director-General.
Hon. Jelili Adejumo and Mr. Olalere Abidoye Bolanle were appointed Assistant Directors-General I and II, respectively, while Hon. Olawoore Gbemileke and Hon. Rotimi Fagibire will serve as Secretary I and Secretary II.
The campaign council also comprises 17 directorates covering various aspects of the electioneering process to ensure effective coordination and grassroots mobilization.
The Directorate of Administration, Planning, Operations, Finance and Budget is headed by Comrade Surajudeen Adegbite, while Hon. Liasu Ololade Shittu will lead the Directorate of Contacts, Mobilisation and Grassroots Organisation.
The Directorate of Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication has Hon. Funsho Adeleke as Deputy Director, with Adenekan Joshua as Secretary and Oke Illyas as a member. The Director position was not specified in the inauguration list.
Hon. Habib Adegoke Ibrahim will head the Directorate of Election Planning, Coordination and Monitoring, while Mr. Obagade Olatunde will lead the Directorate of Students and Youth Mobilisation.
Princess Mojibade Adetona was appointed Director of Women Sensitisation and Mobilisation, while Mr. Rufus Ayegboyin will head the Directorate of Party and Inter-Party Affairs.
Other appointments include Officer Bayo as Director of Security and Environment Scanning; Debo Adeniran as Director of News and Social Media; Barr. Opeyemi Tijani as Director of Legal and Conflict Management; and Hon. Eniola Abiodun as Director of Social Enforcement and Protocol.
Hon. Oyatooto Najeem will head the Directorate of Transport and Logistics, while Abdullahi Kabiru will lead the Directorate of Tribes and Inter-Tribal Matters.
Hon. (High Chief) Fatai Adesina Salaudeen was appointed Director of Culture, Religion and Inter-Religious Matters, while Hon. Biyi Okediran will head the Directorate of Ward Coordination and Mobilisation.
The Directorate of Diaspora Coordination and Mobilisation has three Co-Directors: Oyelami Muftau, Mr. Adeyemo Tajudeen and Mr. Salawudeen Jamiu.
The various directorates also have designated deputies, secretaries and members to support their respective responsibilities.
Distinguished Personalities Constitute Advisory Council
Also inaugurated was an Advisory Council comprising 10 distinguished personalities whose experience and contributions are expected to provide guidance to the campaign.
Members include Alhaji O.M. Abas, Dr. Olusola Ayandele, Alhaji K.O. Jinadu, Chief Francis Babalola, Chief S.A. Ayanleke, Chief T.A.A. Adenrele, Hon. R.O. Ojegoke, Engr. Wale Adeoye, Chief S.R.T. Oketoobo and Hon. Stephen Ojelere.
Congratulating the inaugurated members, Olaoniye described their appointments as a call to service, urging them to demonstrate loyalty, commitment, effective communication, and strategic coordination in carrying out their responsibilities.