Oyo APC Stakeholders Applaud Peaceful Congresses and Call for Equitable National Representation
Critical stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the outer city geo-political zone of Oyo State have expressed commendation for the party's leadership regarding the peaceful conduct of its recent ward, local government, and state congresses. Simultaneously, they have issued a strong appeal for fair representation at the national level to ensure inclusivity and strengthen party unity.
Stakeholders Gather to Review Congress Outcomes
The stakeholders, representing Akinyele, Egbeda, Ido, Lagelu, Oluyole, and Ona-Ara local government areas, convened for their quarterly meeting at the party's secretariat located along the new Ife Road in Egbeda Local Government Area, Ibadan. During this gathering, they reviewed the congress proceedings and released a communiqué highlighting their observations and demands.
Communiqué Highlights Success and Unity
In the communiqué, jointly signed by Chairman Alhaji Kamorudeen Ajisafe and Secretary Bashorun Buliaminu Ogundele, the group described the congresses as highly successful, noting that they were conducted without any incidents of violence across all 351 wards and 33 local government areas in Oyo State. They recalled that prior to the exercise, there had been widespread apprehension due to past experiences in 2018 and 2022, but emphasized that the peaceful outcome had effectively silenced critics and significantly strengthened the party's internal cohesion.
The stakeholders attributed this success to the maturity displayed by party leaders and members, particularly through the adoption of a consensus arrangement recommended by the national secretariat. They stated, "Oyo APC has emerged stronger and more focused after the exercise. This achievement was made possible by the collective efforts of leaders, members, and supporters of the party, who conducted themselves with decorum throughout the process."
Support for New Leadership and Call for Fairness
The group extended congratulations to former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, on his emergence as the new State Chairman of the APC. They pledged their full support to his leadership in achieving the party's goals ahead of the 2027 general elections. While expressing confidence in the new leadership, the stakeholders urged Adeyemo to address any lingering disputes in some local government areas with fairness and objectivity to sustain unity within the party.
Concerns Over Marginalization at National Level
However, the stakeholders raised significant concerns over what they described as the marginalization of Oyo State in the distribution of positions at the South-West zonal and National Executive Committee levels of the APC. They called on the national leadership to review the zoning arrangement adopted during the last national convention to ensure equity and inclusiveness.
According to the group, Oyo State, with its substantial voting strength, large population, and abundant human resources, deserves better representation in the party's national structure. They warned that addressing this perceived imbalance is critical to maintaining unity and strengthening the party ahead of future elections. They stressed the need for fairness and justice in the allocation of party positions, noting that equitable treatment of all states would enhance cohesion and improve the APC's chances in subsequent electoral contests.
In summary, while celebrating the peaceful congresses as a milestone for party unity, the stakeholders emphasized that fair representation at higher levels is essential for long-term success and electoral viability.
