Ido-Osun, Osun State — The political structure of Osun West Senatorial District hopeful, Chief Peter Taiwo Ogundeji (APATA), has received a strategic boost following a one-day media retreat held on February 7, 2026, at APATA Castle, Gbotaru, Ido-Osun.
The retreat brought together members of the APATA Media Team, data analysts, and social media runners from across the ten local government areas of Osun West, and was aimed at strengthening coordination, professionalism, and strategic communication ahead of forthcoming political engagements.
Addressing participants, the Media Consultant to Chief Ogundeji and Head of News and Current Affairs, FRCN Ibadan Zonal Station, Comrade Adewumi Faniran, said the gathering was designed to realign the media structure and reposition it for greater effectiveness in a fast-changing political environment.
Faniran stressed that modern political success is driven by perception, credibility, and disciplined messaging, noting that narratives now travel faster than policies. He urged members of the media team to uphold accuracy, balance, and professionalism, describing credibility as the most valuable political asset.
He identified data analysts as the strategic backbone of the media structure, explaining that their role in analysing voter behaviour, grassroots sentiments, and digital engagement helps guide informed decision-making.
“If the media team is our voice and the social media runners are our speed, then the data analysts are our compass,” he said.
Faniran also charged social media handlers to combine speed with restraint, warning that influence is stronger than insult and that credibility always outlives controversy.
On the political direction of the structure, he stressed the need for coordinated media support for the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly its governorship candidate, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), ahead of the August 8 Osun State governorship election, adding that the media foundation being built would also support Chief Ogundeji’s senatorial aspiration in 2027.
Speaking afterwards, Chief Peter Taiwo Ogundeji (APATA) said the retreat was convened to deepen trust, synergy, and shared understanding within the media structure, while also updating members on emerging trends in digital communication.
He said his desire to represent Osun West in the Senate is driven by a passion for grassroots service and good governance, urging media practitioners within the structure to apply professionalism and responsibility in their engagements to avoid overheating the polity.
The Oluomo of Gbotaru, Ido-Osun, called for unity, loyalty, and honesty of mission within the APATA Project, describing it as a collective effort to secure the Osun West Senatorial ticket on the platform of the APC.
A major highlight of the retreat was its emotional significance as the first formal gathering of the APATA Media Team since the demise of its Grassroots Media Coordinator, late Idowu Ogunbunmi, who passed away in December 2025. A minute’s silence was observed in his honour.
In a related development, Chief Ogundeji announced the appointment of Oluwadamilare Babajide, popularly known as Jide Data, from Ede, as the new APATA Grassroots Media Coordinator, expressing confidence in his capacity to strengthen grassroots media engagement.
Participants at the retreat described Chief Ogundeji as vibrant, intellectually sound, and emotionally intelligent, noting his listening disposition and capacity to manage diverse opinions.
The retreat ended with a renewed commitment by participants to ethical engagement, unity of purpose, and disciplined communication as the APATA political project enters a more strategic phase.