APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda convened a reconciliation meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State, as key figures like Teslim Folarin and Adebayo Adelabu remained absent, aiming to unify the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State faced internal tensions as its National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, met with the state’s reconciliation committee in Ibadan to address divisions ahead of the 2027 general elections. Notably absent were high-profile figures such as 2023 governorship candidate Senator Teslim Folarin, Adebayo Adelabu, and others, according to multiple reports. Yilwatda emphasized the need for unity, stating, We are a family. It is normal for children of the same family to have some little difficulties. But we are happy that the party is still stable,
the Guardian reported.
Reconciliation Efforts and Absences
The meeting, held in Ibadan, aimed to resolve grievances from the party’s recent primaries and strengthen its electoral strategy. However, several governorship aspirants, including Akeem Agbaje, Hakeem Alao, and former Deputy Governor Rauf Olaniyan, did not attend, raising questions about their stance on the reconciliation process. Yilwatda acknowledged the challenges but stressed that the party’s stability was “good to go” based on feedback from the reconciliation committee Punch Newspapers noted.
The absence of Folarin and Adelabu highlighted lingering factional tensions. Despite this, Yilwatda framed the process as a “continuous” effort, stating, The issues are being addressed as a family.
The National Chairman also deferred taking an official position on the Osun State governorship election outcome, citing the need for the National Working Committee to review the results the Guardian reported.
Leaders’ Statements on Unity
Senator Olufemi Lanlehin, chairman of the Oyo State APC Reconciliation Committee, reiterated the party’s commitment to unity, saying, Nothing beats unity. Nothing beats working together. Nothing beats the strength of the party as put forward by all the members of the party.
He assured attendees that the committee had met with all aggrieved aspirants and presented its findings to Yilwatda, vowing to reconcile the aggrieved members before the conduct of the 2027 elections
Punch Newspapers noted.
Lanlehin also hinted at potential discussions with President Bola Tinubu to resolve internal disputes, stating, We cannot afford to lose the 2027 election to any opposition parties in Oyo State.
His remarks underscored the urgency of healing divisions, as the APC seeks to reclaim the state after eight years out of power. Members of this party don’t want to be out of government any extra day,
he added the Guardian reported.
The Role of the Reconciliation Committee
The reconciliation committee played a central role in gathering feedback from dissatisfied members. According to the committee’s findings, some aspirants were “aggrieved” by the primaries’ outcomes but were urged to prioritize the party’s collective interests. Yilwatda emphasized that the committee’s work was part of ongoing efforts, while Oyo APC governorship candidate Sharafadeen Alli described Yilwatda’s visit as a demonstration that the national leadership was deeply concerned about the progress, unity, and electoral fortunes of the APC in the state The Guardian Nigeria News reported.
Sharafadeen Alli, the APC’s governorship candidate in Oyo State, welcomed Yilwatda’s visit, calling it timely and significant
for strengthening the party. He urged members to work towards a common objective, adding, The strength of the party lies in its ability to accommodate diverse interests while pursuing a common political objective
The Guardian Nigeria News reported.
Looking Ahead to 2027
Despite the absences, Yilwatda and party leaders expressed confidence in the APC’s prospects for 2027. I am confident that with unity of purpose, genuine reconciliation and disciplined grassroots mobilisation, APC will emerge victorious in 2027,
Lanlehin declared Punch Newspapers noted. Alli echoed this sentiment, stating, We are ready to work with the national leadership to build a party that is disciplined, inclusive, transparent and firmly rooted at the grassroots
The Guardian Nigeria News reported.
The reconciliation process, however, remains ongoing. Yilwatda acknowledged that all the issues raised by the aggrieved members of the party would be addressed,
but the absence of key figures like Folarin and Adelabu suggests that internal divisions may persist. As the 2027 elections approach, the APC’s ability to unify will be critical to its success in Oyo State Newspeakonline reported.
