The reconciliation process within the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has entered another phase as the party’s Governorship Primaries Reconciliation Committee submitted its report, with some of the aggrieved governorship aspirants reportedly absent from the latest engagement.
The development comes amid lingering disagreements over the conduct and outcome of the party’s governorship primary election, which produced Senator Sharafadeen Alli as the APC’s candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
The reconciliation committee, chaired by Senator Olufemi Lanlehin with Professor Taoheed Adedoja as co-chairman, was constituted by the Oyo APC leadership to address grievances arising from the party’s primaries and to prevent the internal disagreements from undermining the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections. (The Nation)
The panel had earlier embarked on consultations with several of the aspirants who expressed dissatisfaction with the primary election. During the meetings, the aspirants raised concerns about the process and outcome of the exercise, while the committee assured them that their complaints would be carefully considered.
Among those who participated in the earlier consultations were former Deputy Governor Rauf Olaniyan, Prince Musbau Asanike, Dr Ololade Bakare, Engineer Hakeem Alao and Dr Ayobami Lam-Adesina. Dr Adewale Kolapo Kareem had also been identified as one of the aspirants who had aligned himself with the party’s governorship candidate. (The Guardian Nigeria)
The committee had stressed from the outset that its assignment was not merely to meet the aspirants but to find practical solutions to the disagreements threatening party cohesion. It also promised to engage other stakeholders who were unable to attend the initial meetings.
The latest development, therefore, has brought renewed attention to the challenge of reconciling all the competing interests within the Oyo APC.
Lingering Disagreement Over Primary
The controversy followed the APC governorship primary in which 11 aspirants reportedly participated. While Alli emerged as the party’s candidate, six of the aspirants subsequently rejected his candidacy and questioned the process through which he emerged.
Those who publicly challenged the outcome included Hakeem Alao, Rauf Olaniyan, Ayobami Lam-Adesina, Akeem Agbaje, Ololade Bakare and Musibau Asanike. The aspirants argued that certain provisions governing the conduct of the primary had not been properly fulfilled. (Emirate Radio)
Their position created a major challenge for the party, particularly because the APC leadership was simultaneously attempting to consolidate its structure ahead of the 2027 election.
The reconciliation initiative was consequently viewed as an attempt to prevent the dispute from escalating into a prolonged internal crisis.
When the committee was inaugurated, its leadership assured party members that no aggrieved aspirant would be ignored. The committee said it would listen to complaints, consult relevant stakeholders and work toward a solution capable of restoring unity within the party. (The Nation)
Aspirants Agree to Further Dialogue
Despite their reservations, some of the aggrieved aspirants had indicated their willingness to continue discussions with the reconciliation committee.
Following earlier consultations, the aspirants reportedly agreed to honour any invitation from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to present their grievances and seek a final resolution to the dispute.
The committee also assured the aspirants that their concerns would be communicated to the appropriate leadership of the APC, including the President, in the interest of finding an amicable solution. (The Guardian Nigeria)
The development was seen as a significant step toward de-escalating tensions, especially as the APC seeks to present a united front in the state.
Importance of Unity Ahead of 2027
The internal dispute has wider political implications for the APC in Oyo State. The party is seeking to reclaim the state’s governorship in 2027 and has therefore been working to strengthen its grassroots structure and consolidate support across the state.
Party leaders have repeatedly warned that unresolved disagreements could weaken the APC’s chances at the polls if aggrieved members decide to withhold their support or work against the party’s candidate.
The state party leadership had earlier acknowledged that the outcome of the congresses and primaries generated grievances among some members and stakeholders. It consequently tasked the reconciliation committee with using its experience and credibility to resolve the issues before they become an intractable crisis. (The Nation)
The party has also expressed its ambition to approach the 2027 election as a united organisation, with its leadership stressing the importance of reconciliation and collective action.
Some Aspirants Begin to Close Ranks
There have already been indications that the reconciliation efforts are yielding some results.
In August, four of the aspirants who had raised objections to the primary—Rauf Olaniyan, Hakeem Alao, Musbau Asanike and Ololade Bakare—were reported to have reconciled with Senator Alli and pledged to work toward the party’s success in the 2027 elections. (The Guardian Nigeria)
Their decision represents an important development in the reconciliation process, although the absence or continued reservations of some other aspirants indicate that the process may not yet be complete.
The committee’s submission of its report is therefore expected to provide the party leadership with a clearer picture of the grievances raised by the aspirants and possible steps toward resolving them.
Road Ahead for Oyo APC
With the 2027 general elections approaching, the APC faces the task of translating the reconciliation efforts into genuine unity at the grassroots.
Beyond settling disputes among governorship aspirants, the party will need to rebuild confidence among members, strengthen cooperation between its various political blocs and ensure that those who contested the primary remain engaged in the party’s campaign structure.
The reconciliation committee’s work is consequently being closely watched by party stakeholders, as its recommendations could influence the APC’s strategy and internal relations ahead of the election.
For the APC, the ultimate test will be whether the reconciliation process can move beyond meetings and reports to produce a lasting political settlement. If the party succeeds in bringing its major stakeholders together, the development could strengthen its chances of mounting a formidable challenge in the 2027 governorship election.
However, if grievances remain unresolved, the party could face the risk of internal divisions affecting its campaign and electoral prospects.
For now, the submission of the reconciliation report marks another stage in the APC’s effort to settle its post-primary disputes, while the continued engagement of all aggrieved aspirants remains crucial to the party’s ambition of presenting a united front in Oyo State in 2027.