The crisis within the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the National Assembly primaries continues to generate debate among stakeholders, with opinions divided on whether current leadership-led reconciliation efforts can successfully restore unity ahead of the 2027 general elections. To address grievances arising from the primaries, the party on July 30 constituted a 10-member reconciliation committee headed by the Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Biyi Poroye. Announcing the committee, APC State Chairman, Babatunde Kolawole, described post-primary disagreements as a normal feature of democratic politics, insisting the party possessed robust internal mechanisms for conflict resolution. According to Kolawole, the party underwent a rigorous process—including congresses, conventions, and legislative primaries—making friction inevitable. He maintained that the emergence of candidates marked the end of one phase and the beginning of the healing process. In an interview with Daily Trust, the Chairman addressed concerns regarding party divisions and complaints from dissatisfied aspirants, including former Commissioner for Energy, Razaq Obe, who warned that the National Working Committee’s (NWC) substitution of names could hamper the party’s success in Ondo. “Those who did not win have every right to express their opinions,” Kolawole said. “Razaq Obe is entitled to his view. He did not speak on behalf of the party, the government, or the leadership; he spoke as an individual.” What has the reconciliation committee done so far? Though in its early stages, the committee has begun consultations with key stakeholders affected by the primary outcomes. Poroye confirmed the committee has met with the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, who reaffirmed his commitment to the APC leadership. Discussions have also been held with four House of Representatives aspirants whose candidacies were affected by the controversial substitution of names. “We have accepted this onerous responsibility to ensure that every member has a sense of belonging,” Poroye stated. “Our goal is to build a more united APC where everyone feels valued and carried along.” Beyond consultations, the committee is engaging members who have approached the courts, seeking an amicable withdrawal of pending litigation to prevent further internal weakening of the party.” A parallel reconciliation effort Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has launched a parallel drive, convening party leaders and members of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) to strategize on internal cohesion. However, these efforts have not enjoyed unanimous support. The Mandate Elders Forum, a political pressure group, has openly questioned the effectiveness of the strategy adopted by the governor and party leadership. Speaking to Daily Trust, the forum’s leader, Demola Ijabiyi, argued that the reconciliation committee lacked broad buy-in because critical party elders were not consulted before its inauguration. Ijabiyi contended that many grievances stemmed from the exclusion of stakeholders during the selection of National Assembly candidates, asserting that reconciliation cannot be delegated solely to a committee. “The governor does not own the party. The party existed before him and will remain after him,” Ijabiyi argued. “If he genuinely wants reconciliation, he should personally engage stakeholders and elders,” he said. Is there still hope for aggrieved aspirants? The critical question remains whether those who lost during the primaries will remain committed to the party. The committee believes the answer is yes. Poroye disclosed that the strategy includes offering aggrieved aspirants’ political appointments, government roles, and greater inclusion within the party structure. At present, the committee’s primary achievements are limited to initial stakeholder engagements. According to a public affairs analyst, Doyin Iyamoye, the true measure of success will be whether these discussions translate into the withdrawal of court cases, restored party loyalty, and a unified front heading into the 2027 elections. For now, the process remains a work in progress, and the coming months will determine if the Ondo APC can bridge its deep internal divisions ahead of the poll.
Don't miss out on breaking stories and in-depth articles.
