The Progressive Yes Forum (PYF) has cautioned political actors against dragging the Chairman of the Nigerian Revenue Service, Dr Zacch Adedeji, into what it described as unnecessary political scheming ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State.
The forum, which describes itself as the conscience of progressive politics in the state, said it had observed with concern attempts by some individuals to associate the NIRS chairman with political intrigues despite his clear public position on the matter.
PYF said it has consistently championed the ideals of party supremacy and internal democracy within the progressive fold. According to the group, its advocacy has taken it across the state where it engaged party elders and leaders, culminating in what it described as the first Conference of Progressives in Oyo State.
In a statement issued by its Director of Media, Publicity and Strategy, Hon. Rasaq Olubodun, the forum recalled that Adedeji had publicly declared during a church service in January 2025 that he would not contest the Oyo governorship election in 2027.
The group said it had immediately commended Adedeji for what it described as his patriotism, selflessness and commitment to the collective success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
“It therefore beats our imagination how the same individual who clearly expressed such selflessness could now be portrayed differently in the write-up being circulated,” the statement said.
PYF noted that Adedeji had built a reputation as a distinguished public servant since his tenure as Commissioner in Oyo State, adding that his impact across different segments of society had earned him widespread respect and goodwill among the people of the state.
The forum said internal contestation is not unusual in progressive politics and should not be misconstrued as hostility or anti-democratic behaviour.
To support its position, the group cited several historical examples within the progressive political tradition.
It recalled that the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo faced strong opposition within the Action Group before emerging as Premier of the Western Region in 1951.
Similarly, the late Chief Bola Ige faced stiff opposition when he contested against his political mentor, Chief Emmanuel Alayande, but eventually emerged as the governorship candidate of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) through the party’s internal democratic process.
PYF also noted that the late Alhaji Lam Adesina encountered opposition within Afenifere before emerging as the governorship candidate of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in 1999 and subsequently winning the election.
Likewise, the late Senator Abiola Ajimobi, whom the forum described as the architect of modern Oyo State, overcame strong internal opposition before becoming governor on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).
The group recalled Ajimobi’s popular saying that “Were nikan ni won ki n dun,” meaning that only a madman’s position goes uncontested.
Based on this, PYF dismissed claims that certain political actors were being unfairly targeted in the unfolding political discussions within the party.
“It is the height of political naivety to assume that the governorship ticket of any party will be handed to an individual on a platter of gold,” the statement said.
The forum also cited the political journey of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that he paid his political dues before becoming Governor of Lagos State and eventually President of Nigeria.
“Even at that, he consistently reminds those who care to listen that power is not served à la carte,” the statement added.
PYF urged those behind the opinion currently circulating in the media to approach political issues with greater pragmatism and less sentiment.
The forum stressed that Adedeji, like every Nigerian citizen, has the constitutional right to express his views without intimidation or misrepresentation.
It also reaffirmed its longstanding involvement in progressive politics, dating back to the struggle that led to the emergence of Lam Adesina as Governor of Oyo State in 1999.
PYF advised political actors within the progressive fold to pursue constructive engagement and responsible political conduct rather than creating unnecessary tension through propaganda, insinuations and hearsay.
The forum also maintained that it is within the constitutional rights of Adedeji’s brother, or any other qualified individual, to aspire to elective office in the state.
While reiterating its commitment to party supremacy, the group said it has no preferred aspirant ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
“In line with our philosophy of party supremacy, PYF does not have any aspirant of choice. Whoever emerges through the party’s constitutional processes will receive our full support,” the statement said.
“If it is Chief Adelabu who is eventually chosen by God and by the leadership of the party to lead the APC to victory in Oyo State in 2027, we will all work together to ensure that victory.”