Oyo APC: Aggrieved assembly aspirants drop grievances, back Tinubu, 2027 candidates

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has achieved a major breakthrough in internal party affairs following the resolution of disputes among aspirants who contested the recent House of Assembly primary election. Most of these aspirants have dropped their grievances and pledged to support the party's broader goals, including backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election and the APC's candidates in upcoming elections. This development marks a critical step toward restoring unity within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. The reconciliation efforts were spearheaded by the Oyo State APC House of Assembly Reconciliation Committee, which held extensive discussions with the affected aspirants. A communique released by the committee on Sunday detailed the progress made in addressing the concerns raised by the aspirants. The statement emphasized that the engagements took place with the aim of promoting reconciliation, unity, and mutual understanding among party members. The committee highlighted that the majority of the aspirants displayed maturity and sportsmanship by prioritizing the party's interests over personal ambitions. According to the committee, the reconciled aspirants have committed themselves to working together with the party leadership to ensure the APC secures victories in the 2027 general elections. They have also pledged their support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the election of APC candidates in the Senate, House of Representatives, and Oyo State House of Assembly. The committee praised the aspirants for their willingness to put aside differences and focus on the collective goal of strengthening the APC across the state. The reconciliation process included one-on-one meetings between the committee members and the aggrieved aspirants, allowing each party to express their concerns regarding the primary election. The committee acknowledged the right of party members and aspirants to voice their dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the electoral process. However, it stressed that these grievances must eventually yield to the greater interests of the APC. Alhaji Mufitau Adisa Gbayawu, the chairman of the reconciliation committee, explained that the meetings aimed to provide a platform for the aspirants to air their grievances. He reiterated the importance of maintaining unity within the party despite any disagreements over the electoral procedures. Gbayawu emphasized that the leadership of the APC respects the rights of both the aspirants and the members, which was the driving force behind initiating the reconciliation talks. The committee urged all members, leaders, stakeholders, and supporters of the APC in Oyo State to continue embracing the spirit of reconciliation. It warned against engaging in activities that might reignite divisions within the party. The call came amid ongoing efforts to strengthen the APC's position in the lead-up to the 2027 elections, ensuring that the party remains a cohesive and electorally viable entity. The resolution of tensions among the aspirants comes at a crucial time for the APC in Oyo State, as the party seeks to consolidate its position ahead of the upcoming elections. With the support of former contestants, the APC aims to build a unified front capable of challenging opposition parties effectively. The successful reconciliation efforts underscore the party's commitment to overcoming internal challenges through dialogue and cooperation rather than conflict.