Oyo 2027: APC reconciliation deepens as Folarin, Adelabu, other aggrieved aspirants stay away
Oyo APC Intensifies Reconciliation Efforts Ahead of 2027 Elections
By Adeola Badru
IBADAN, Oyo State — The All Progressives Congress (APC) is stepping up its efforts to address internal disputes as it prepares for the 2027 general elections. National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda received the findings of the state reconciliation committee during a recent meeting in Ibadan.
Notably absent from the gathering were key aggrieved governorship aspirants, including former Governor and Senator Teslim Folarin, Minister of Power Bayo Adelabu, Akeem Agbaje, Hakeem Alao, and former Deputy Governor Rauf Olaniyan.
The meeting featured the party’s Oyo State governorship candidate, Sharafadeen Alli, and was convened to tackle lingering issues stemming from the party’s governorship primary while positioning the APC for the upcoming elections.
Following the meeting, Yilwatda described reconciliation as an ongoing process and emphasized the importance of unity among party members in reclaiming Oyo State from the ruling party in 2027.
“The APC is a family. Whatever happens within the party is a family issue,” Yilwatda said. “It is normal for members of the same family to have challenges, but we are happy that the issues are being addressed.”
He noted that the reconciliation process remains underway, with assurances that the concerns of dissatisfied members will be taken seriously by party leadership. The current initiative aims to mend relationships, rebuild trust, and strengthen organizational structures as the elections approach.
“We will continue to engage our members to ensure that internal disagreements do not undermine our electoral chances,” Yilwatda stated.
Regarding the recent Osun State governorship election, Yilwatda revealed that the APC has not yet adopted an official stance on the results. He indicated that the National Working Committee (NWC) would conduct a review with candidates and relevant stakeholders before making a formal decision.
“We have not sat down as a party to take a position,” he explained. “A position will involve the NWC inviting candidates to assess what happened in Osun State.”
Yilwatda characterized the Osun election as a valuable learning experience, highlighting the need for political maturity and sportsmanship within the party.
Femi Lanlehin, chairman of the Oyo State APC Reconciliation Committee, reported progress in efforts to reunite estranged party members before the 2027 elections. He confirmed that the committee has met with all aggrieved aspirants and has submitted its findings to Yilwatda for further consideration.
“We are making headway in reconciling aggrieved members ahead of the upcoming elections,” Lanlehin said. “While some are unhappy with the outcomes of the primaries, we have communicated our findings to the national chairman.”
Lanlehin also mentioned that the APC leadership is planning to engage with President Bola Tinubu to facilitate internal resolution of the ongoing disagreements, ensuring they do not hinder the party’s electoral prospects in 2027.
“We cannot afford to lose the 2027 election to any opposition party in Oyo State,” he asserted. “I assure you that we will win all elective positions at all levels in 2027 in Oyo State.”
