The All Progressives Congress (APC) has reconciled aggrieved aspirants for House of Assembly seats and members in 32 state constituencies in Oyo State.
The aspirants had protested the conduct of the party’s primary election, which saw the emergence of some aspirants as the party’s candidates for the 2027 elections.
The development according to Tribune, led to the inauguration of reconciliation committees, including the Oyo State House of Assembly Reconciliation Committee, led by Alhaji Mufitau Adisa Gbayawu.
Gbayawu, in his remarks at a stakeholders’ meeting and press conference held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, on Sunday, said all the aggrieved aspirants had resolved to abide by the party’s decision on the outcome of the primaries.
He disclosed that the committee met with the aspirants on a one-on-one basis, during which they made their grievances known and resolved to let the matter go in the interest of the party.
Adisa said although the aspirants had the right to protest over perceived inadequacies, the interest of the party should remain the priority.
According to him, “During our interaction with the aspirants in their respective areas, they made known their grievances, which formed the basis for the protest.
“The leadership of the APC respects the rights of not only the aspirants but the members as well, hence the reason for setting up the Reconciliation Committees to pacify members whose feelings have been injured.
“We thank the aggrieved aspirants and members for their resolve to drop their personal ambitions and work for the collective interest of the party in the 2027 election.”
The co-chairman of the committee, Aare Bisoye Fagade, while presenting the communiqué on the outcome of the various meetings held with the aspirants, said the outcome was fruitful.
“The Committee is pleased to report that the majority of the aspirants who participated in the primary election, including those who purchased nomination forms and those who did not, have demonstrated commendable sportsmanship, maturity and commitment to the unity of the Party.
“They have expressed their readiness to work harmoniously with one another and with the leadership of the Party towards securing electoral victory for the APC in the 2027 general elections.
“In furtherance of this commitment, the reconciled aspirants pledged their support for the re-election of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as well as the election of the APC candidates for the Senate, House of Representatives and the Oyo State House of Assembly.”
The committee particularly commended the aspirants for placing the overall interest of the party above individual interests and for demonstrating a willingness to work collectively towards strengthening the APC across the state.
It added that the list of aspirants who participated in the primary election and had consented to work for the success of the party covered all 32 State House of Assembly constituencies in Oyo State.
The committee further called on all members, leaders, stakeholders and supporters of the APC in Oyo State to embrace the spirit of reconciliation, eschew divisive tendencies and work collectively towards building a stronger, more united and electorally formidable party.
In his brief remarks, the co-chairman of the Oyo State Gubernatorial Reconciliation Committee, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin, harped on the need for unity among members of the party.
He lauded the aspirants for respecting the decision of the party’s leadership on the choice of candidates for the elective positions.
“I have won and lost elections for elective political offices in the past. I know what it takes. I feel your pains, but you have taken the rightful decision to work for the interest of the party.”
Speaking in the same vein, his fellow co-chairman, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, lauded the decision of the aspirants to collaborate with the party’s leadership in ensuring the emergence of the party’s candidates.
The governorship candidate of the party, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, commended the aspirants for taking the right decision in the interest of the party ahead of the 2027 election.
He assured that he would work with all members of the party after his emergence as governor of the state on May 29, 2027.
Alli also assured that he would support the implementation of local government fiscal autonomy in Oyo State.
