OYO APC PRIMARIES: I URGE OUR MEMBERS TO SHUN DEFECTION, REMAIN CALM, PATIENT, AND CONFIDENT IN THE NATIONAL LEADERSHIP
By Trek Africa Newspaper
My dear leaders, stakeholders and members of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), across Oyo State.
I address you today at a critical moment in the history of our party following the conclusion of the primary elections conducted to select our candidates for the forthcoming gubernatorial, senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly elections.
As a committed party man and one of the aspirants who participated in the process, I am aware of the various emotions currently being expressed by our members across the state. I understand the anxiety, uncertainty and concerns generated by the circulation of purported lists of successful candidates and claims of endorsements by certain interests within the party.
However, it is important to remind ourselves that the National Headquarters of our party has expressly directed that no individual, group or committee at the state level is authorized to announce the final outcome of the primaries. Consequently, any purported list of candidates being circulated on social media or through unofficial channels should be treated with utmost caution until the National Leadership of the party makes its official pronouncement.
I therefore appeal to all our members and supporters to remain calm, patient and law-abiding while awaiting the final declaration from the party headquarters in Abuja.
At this crucial stage, no one should allow himself or herself to be misled by rumours, propaganda or premature victory claims designed to manipulate public perception, create confusion among party faithful and influence ongoing consultations within the party. Such actions are neither helpful to the party nor consistent with the principles of fairness, discipline and internal democracy that should guide our conduct as loyal APC members.
I am particularly concerned by reports that some of our members, feeling aggrieved by the rumours surrounding the purported consensus arrangements, have begun defecting to opposition parties in protest. Let me state unequivocally that I condemn these defections in their entirety.
Leaving our great party at this moment will not solve any perceived grievance. Rather, it weakens the collective strength we have painstakingly built over the years and ultimately benefits our political opponents. Every committed member of APC has invested time, resources, energy and sacrifices into the growth of this party. It would be unfortunate to abandon that investment based on speculations and unofficial information.
Our experiences in the 2019 and 2023 elections should serve as important lessons to all of us. History has repeatedly shown that internal divisions, mistrust and avoidable defections can significantly undermine our electoral fortunes. We must not allow ourselves to repeat mistakes that could jeopardize our chances in the forthcoming federal and state elections.
I have absolute confidence that the National Leadership of our party possesses the wisdom, experience and institutional capacity to address all concerns arising from the primary process. I am equally confident that appropriate interventions will be made where necessary to ensure justice, fairness and party cohesion.
At this point, patience is not a sign of weakness; it is a demonstration of maturity, loyalty and commitment to the larger interests of our party.
I therefore call on all party leaders, elders, youth groups, women groups, support organizations and aspirants across all levels to exercise restraint in their statements and actions. Let us avoid inflammatory comments, unnecessary accusations and actions capable of deepening divisions within our ranks.
I also urge those spreading unverified claims of endorsements, approvals or predetermined consensus arrangements to desist forthwith if they genuinely have the interest of APC at heart. The strength of our party lies in transparency, credibility and respect for due process. No individual or group should engage in activities capable of misleading our members or creating false impressions regarding decisions that have not been officially communicated by the National Headquarters.
To our supporters across Oyo State, I say this: remain steadfast, remain hopeful and remain committed to the APC family. This is not the time for despair, bitterness or political migration. This is the time to demonstrate faith in our party, confidence in our leadership and commitment to the collective project of returning APC to government in Oyo State and consolidating our party’s success at the national level.
Let us continue to place the unity of the party above individual ambitions. Elections come and go, but the party remains our common platform for service, development and progressive governance.
I assure all members that every concern being raised will receive the necessary attention through the appropriate party structures. Together, we shall overcome our current challenges, emerge stronger and position our great party for victory in the elections ahead.
May wisdom guide our leaders, may patience guide our members, and may unity continue to strengthen our great party.
Thank you and God bless the All Progressives Congress.
Chief Adebayo A. Adelabu
APC Governorship Aspirant, Oyo State
