Senator Adams Oshiomhole has criticised the ongoing disagreement surrounding the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) youth campaign structure, describing the controversy involving the party’s National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, as an unnecessary diversion from the actual business of electioneering.
Naija News reports that the former Edo State governor expressed his position while featuring on Arise Television’s Morning Show, where he addressed the controversy surrounding the composition and coordination of the youth mobilisation team ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North in the National Assembly, explained that the disagreement had already been discussed privately between him and Israel, adding that he had personally advised the APC chieftain on how best to approach the situation.
The senator, who currently occupies the position of Deputy Director-General of Mobilisation in President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 Presidential Campaign Council, maintained that the party’s youth leader should prioritise grassroots engagement rather than become preoccupied with securing a prominent position within the campaign hierarchy.
According to him, occupying the national youth leadership position does not automatically translate into having exclusive authority over every youth mobilisation activity within the presidential campaign organisation.
He argued that political mobilisation should be driven by individuals who understand their respective communities, wards and local political environments, rather than concentrating responsibility in the hands of one individual.
Oshiomhole further maintained that Israel should direct his energy towards strengthening the party’s presence within his immediate political constituency instead of becoming involved in disagreements over who controls the broader youth campaign arrangement.
The former governor also expressed displeasure with politicians who attach excessive importance to official designations, insisting that the success of an election campaign should matter more than the titles assigned to individuals.
He suggested that those involved in Tinubu’s re-election project should demonstrate commitment through practical contributions rather than engage in unnecessary arguments over positions and recognition.
Speaking further, Oshiomhole recalled his involvement in Tinubu’s 2023 presidential campaign, revealing that he had previously told the president he was willing to accept even the most ordinary responsibility if it would contribute to securing victory at the polls.
He explained that his willingness to perform any assignment during the previous election demonstrated his belief that dedication to a political objective should take precedence over personal ambition.
The senator maintained that no responsibility within a campaign organisation should be considered insignificant, provided it contributes meaningfully to the overall objective.
He also suggested that political actors seeking influential positions should understand that effective mobilisation requires cooperation, discipline and willingness to work with others across different levels of the party.
Oshiomhole’s comments come amid discussions over the organisation of the APC’s campaign machinery ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly the responsibilities of various officials within the presidential campaign council.
His remarks also highlight the importance of grassroots participation in the party’s preparations for another electoral contest, with the senator insisting that individual contributions should be measured by their impact rather than the prominence of their appointments.
The former governor maintained that the campaign should remain focused on its central objective instead of allowing disagreements over leadership arrangements to undermine its preparations.
