Politics

APC Elders Must Halt Divisive Campaigns Before It’s Too Late

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on October 24th, 2025.

The meeting comes at a crucial moment. With the 2026 gubernatorial election approaching, the APC cannot afford to repeat the bitter internal conflicts that fractured the party in 2022 and cost it the governorship seat. What the elders do or fail to do at this stage will determine whether the party goes into the next election as a united force or a divided house.

Among the most visible aspirants currently traversing the local governments to consult stakeholders, some have distinguished themselves as models of restraint and maturity. Their consultations have been issue-driven, anchored on how Osun can move from a consumer state to a productive economy through targeted investments in agriculture, tourism, and youth enterprise.

More than that, those aspirants have demonstrated a deep sense of respect for party structures and fellow aspirants. Some of them have also pledged, at every opportunity, to support whoever emerges as the party’s flagbearer. That kind of emotional intelligence and respect for collective interest is what the APC needs most at this time.

In contrast, the AMBO campaign, led by Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, has been marked by an unsettling air of entitlement. His campaign appears to draw its strength from the remnants of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola’s structure, which behaves as though the ticket is already secured. Unfortunately, his supporters have also developed a reputation for intolerance and aggression, having clashed with loyalists of other aspirants — from Senator Ajibola Basiru’s (SRJ) camp in the past to Senator Iyiola Omisore’s and Omo-Oba Dotun Babayemi’s supporters more recently. The Gbongan fracas between Oyebamiji’s and Babayemi’s followers was particularly disgraceful and a direct affront to the values of the APC.

Then, there is Senator Iyiola Omisore, the seasoned political figure whose larger-than-life disposition often alienates rather than inspires. His campaign has been heavy on self-importance and light on bridge-building. The elders must have the courage to appeal to him as a fellow elder to tone down the rhetoric and embrace a posture of mentorship, not dominance. Politics, after all, is about persuasion, not intimidation.

On the other hand, Prince Dotun Babayemi, the Gbongan-born politician and relatively new entrant to the progressive fold; and also Kunle Rasheed Adegoke (K-RAD), a distinguished senior advocate of Nigeria, have both comported themselves as disciplined and focused aspirants. Despite Babayemi’s recent defection into the APC, he has shown respect for party hierarchy and has avoided unnecessary provocations. His quiet but consistent consultations suggest a man who understands that loyalty and humility can often achieve more than bluster.

K-RAD also prominently stands out as an aspirant who engages constructively, reeling out programmes he has in stock for the state, rather than verbal attacks against co-aspirants and party leaders.

Aspirants like Babayemi and K-RAD deserve public commendation to encourage others.

*What the Elders Must Tell the Aspirants Today*

The Ilobu meeting offers a unique opportunity for the Elders’ Forum to reset the tone of the internal contest. Their message must be firm, fair, and forward-looking.

The APC cannot afford another internal war. The scars of 2022 are still fresh; division must not be repeated.

Campaigns must focus on ideas, not insults. Aspirants should present clear visions for Osun’s future, not personal vendettas.

Every aspirant must pledge loyalty to the party’s eventual candidate. The elders should extract a written and public commitment to that effect.

Party structures belong to the APC, not to any individual or faction. No aspirant should behave like the party’s ownership is up for grabs.

Violence and thuggery must stop immediately. The elders should jointly condemn the Gbongan incident and warn that future offenders will face party sanctions.

Elders themselves must remain neutral and united. Only then can they command the moral authority to discipline errant aspirants.

Civility should be rewarded.

The APC Elders’ Forum must remind everyone that Osun’s electorate is watching. A house divided cannot win an election. The people are yearning for a united and purposeful APC that can present a credible alternative to the current administration.

The 2026 governorship race should be a contest of ideas, not insults, not egos, and certainly not entitlement. The time to restore discipline, civility, and collective purpose is now, in Ilobu, today.

*Olalere Oladitan is a poultry farmer and political analyst. He writes from Ilobu.*