By Babatunde Olayiwola
Politics is ultimately about winning elections, governing effectively and advancing the collective interest of the people.
After every contest comes the inevitable responsibility of reconciliation, unity and renewed commitment to a common cause. That moment has arrived for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the undisputed leader of the APC, has already set the tone by encouraging reconciliation and cohesion within the party. His message is unmistakable: all grievances must give way to unity as the party prepares for the 2027 general election.
It is therefore incumbent upon every loyal APC member in Oyo State to embrace this spirit of reconciliation and rally wholeheartedly behind the party’s governorship candidate, Senator (Dr.) Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, whose candidacy has been duly recognised by the party.
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The legal and political realities are no longer matters for speculation. Under Nigeria’s electoral process, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) issues only one nomination to each political party for every elective office through the party’s National Secretariat. In compliance with this process, the APC’s governorship nomination for Oyo State has already been issued to Senator Sharafadeen Alli.
This is not a matter of opinion or political sentiment; it is the official position recognised under the electoral framework.
Anyone still entertaining hopes of a substitution should appreciate the legal implications involved. Such a substitution cannot occur through rumours, pressure or wishful thinking.
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It would require Senator Alli himself to voluntarily relinquish his mandate by swearing to an affidavit before a competent court, thereby paving the way for the party to submit another name to INEC in accordance with the law.
There is absolutely no indication that such a situation exists. Continuing to promote false expectations only creates unnecessary divisions, distracts party members and weakens the APC’s readiness for the decisive battle ahead.
History teaches that divided parties rarely win elections. Every hour spent on internal disagreements is an hour gifted to political opponents. The APC cannot afford such distractions when the collective mission should be reclaiming Oyo State through a united front.
This is the time for every stakeholder, aspirant, supporter and loyal party member to demonstrate maturity by subordinating personal ambitions to the larger interest of the APC. Senator Sharafadeen Alli has consistently extended the hand of fellowship to all tendencies within the party, recognising that victory in 2027 can only be achieved through inclusiveness and collective effort.
No individual is bigger than the APC. Personal preferences must now give way to party supremacy, discipline and unwavering loyalty.
Let every ward, local government and senatorial district begin mobilising in one direction. Let every leader preach reconciliation instead of division. Let every member become an ambassador of unity rather than an agent of discord.
The path has been clearly defined.
The party has a recognised governorship candidate. The President has called for reconciliation. The responsibility before every APC member is therefore simple, let’s close rank, unite behind Senator Sharafadeen Alli, strengthen the party’s structures and march confidently towards victory in the 2027 general election.
Only a united APC can deliver the prosperous and people-centred Oyo State that our citizens earnestly desire.
