The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has taken a significant step towards rebuilding internal unity and strengthening its electoral prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections with the constitution of a 14-member Reconciliation Committee.
The committee, which brings together some of the party’s most experienced political leaders and stakeholders, is expected to heal lingering divisions within the party, promote inclusiveness and lay the foundation for a stronger and more united APC capable of challenging for power in Oyo State.
According to the list made public, former Oyo South senator and elder statesman, Sen. Olufemi Lanlehin, and respected academic and politician, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, will serve as Co-Chairmen of the committee.
Other members include Chief Mrs. Oluwakemi Alao-Akala, Dr. Felicia Adekemi Opatunde, Prof. Afolabi Oladapo, Alhaji Abubakar Adejare Gbadamosi, Sen. Brimo Yusuf, Alhaji Isiaka Alimi, Sen. Hosea Ayoola Agboola, Alhaji Kamorudeen Ajisafe, Pa Timothy Jolaoso, Engr. Idris Adegboyega Adeoye, Dr. Ismail Adebayo Adewusi, and Rt. Hon. Olagunju Ojo.
The committee has been saddled with the responsibility of fostering unity among party members and positioning the APC for victory in the 2027 elections.
A Strategic Move at a Critical Time
The inauguration of the reconciliation committee comes at a period when political observers believe the Oyo APC cannot afford another cycle of internal disputes that have repeatedly weakened its electoral fortunes.
Although the party boasts an array of influential leaders, former office holders, legislators and grassroots mobilisers, analysts have consistently identified factional rivalries, unresolved grievances arising from party primaries, leadership tussles and competing political interests as major obstacles to the party’s cohesion.
The committee is therefore expected to bridge these divides and create a common front capable of confronting Governor Seyi Makinde’s Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in the next governorship election.
Major Challenges Before the Committee
Political analysts say the committee’s assignment is as enormous as it is important.
Among the challenges likely to confront the committee are:
Managing entrenched political interests: Many APC leaders command loyal political structures with differing ambitions ahead of 2027. Reconciling these competing interests without creating fresh grievances will require tact, patience and neutrality.
Restoring trust among aggrieved members: Some party faithful who felt marginalised during previous congresses, primaries or appointments may remain sceptical of reconciliation efforts. Winning back their confidence will demand sincerity and concrete actions rather than symbolic meetings.
Balancing influential blocs: The Oyo APC comprises several political tendencies built around prominent leaders. Ensuring that every bloc feels respected and fairly represented will be crucial to sustaining unity.
Preventing defections: As political activities gather momentum, rival parties may seek to attract dissatisfied APC members. Failure to address longstanding grievances promptly could encourage defections capable of weakening the opposition’s strength.
Candidate selection controversies: Historically, disputes over party primaries have triggered internal crises across political parties in Nigeria. The committee may have to recommend transparent mechanisms that minimise post-primary litigation and resentment.
Grassroots disengagement: Beyond reconciling elite politicians, reconnecting with ward executives, youth groups, women leaders and ordinary members who feel neglected remains a major task.
Practical Approaches for Success
For the committee to deliver meaningful and lasting results, political observers believe it should adopt practical, transparent and inclusive strategies rather than relying solely on ceremonial consultations.
Among the approaches that could prove effective are:
* Conducting consultations across all 33 local government areas to give members at the grassroots an opportunity to express their concerns.
* Holding private mediation sessions between feuding leaders before organising larger reconciliation meetings.
* Establishing a confidential channel through which members can submit complaints without fear of intimidation.
* Producing a written reconciliation roadmap with measurable milestones and timelines instead of making broad declarations.
* Encouraging all major stakeholders to publicly commit to supporting whoever emerges through a credible and transparent nomination process.
* Strengthening internal communication to curb rumours and misinformation capable of reigniting conflicts.
* Involving youth leaders, women groups and emerging political actors in reconciliation efforts to ensure broader ownership of the process.
* Setting up a standing conflict-resolution mechanism that can promptly address disputes before they escalate.
Beyond Reconciliation
Analysts also argue that reconciliation alone may not guarantee electoral success.
To become competitive in 2027, the APC would need to complement internal unity with issue-based campaigning, effective grassroots mobilisation, voter engagement, strategic communication and policies that resonate with the aspirations of Oyo residents.
According to the list made public, former Oyo South senator and elder statesman, Sen. Olufemi Lanlehin, and respected academic and politician, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, will serve as Co-Chairmen of the committee.
Other members include Chief Mrs. Oluwakemi Alao-Akala, Dr. Felicia Adekemi Opatunde, Prof. Afolabi Oladapo, Alhaji Abubakar Adejare Gbadamosi, Sen. Brimo Yusuf, Alhaji Isiaka Alimi, Sen. Hosea Ayoola Agboola, Alhaji Kamorudeen Ajisafe, Pa Timothy Jolaoso, Engr. Idris Adegboyega Adeoye, Dr. Ismail Adebayo Adewusi, and Rt. Hon. Olagunju Ojo.
The committee has been saddled with the responsibility of fostering unity among party members and positioning the APC for victory in the 2027 elections.
A Strategic Move at a Critical Time
The inauguration of the reconciliation committee comes at a period when political observers believe the Oyo APC cannot afford another cycle of internal disputes that have repeatedly weakened its electoral fortunes.
Although the party boasts an array of influential leaders, former office holders, legislators and grassroots mobilisers, analysts have consistently identified factional rivalries, unresolved grievances arising from party primaries, leadership tussles and competing political interests as major obstacles to the party’s cohesion.
The committee is therefore expected to bridge these divides and create a common front capable of confronting Governor Seyi Makinde’s Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in the next governorship election.
Major Challenges Before the Committee
Political analysts say the committee’s assignment is as enormous as it is important.
Among the challenges likely to confront the committee are:
Managing entrenched political interests: Many APC leaders command loyal political structures with differing ambitions ahead of 2027. Reconciling these competing interests without creating fresh grievances will require tact, patience and neutrality.
Restoring trust among aggrieved members: Some party faithful who felt marginalised during previous congresses, primaries or appointments may remain sceptical of reconciliation efforts. Winning back their confidence will demand sincerity and concrete actions rather than symbolic meetings.
Balancing influential blocs: The Oyo APC comprises several political tendencies built around prominent leaders. Ensuring that every bloc feels respected and fairly represented will be crucial to sustaining unity.
Preventing defections: As political activities gather momentum, rival parties may seek to attract dissatisfied APC members. Failure to address longstanding grievances promptly could encourage defections capable of weakening the opposition’s strength.
Candidate selection controversies: Historically, disputes over party primaries have triggered internal crises across political parties in Nigeria. The committee may have to recommend transparent mechanisms that minimise post-primary litigation and resentment.
Grassroots disengagement: Beyond reconciling elite politicians, reconnecting with ward executives, youth groups, women leaders and ordinary members who feel neglected remains a major task.
Practical Approaches for Success
For the committee to deliver meaningful and lasting results, political observers believe it should adopt practical, transparent and inclusive strategies rather than relying solely on ceremonial consultations.
Among the approaches that could prove effective are:
* Conducting consultations across all 33 local government areas to give members at the grassroots an opportunity to express their concerns.
* Holding private mediation sessions between feuding leaders before organising larger reconciliation meetings.
* Establishing a confidential channel through which members can submit complaints without fear of intimidation.
* Producing a written reconciliation roadmap with measurable milestones and timelines instead of making broad declarations.
* Encouraging all major stakeholders to publicly commit to supporting whoever emerges through a credible and transparent nomination process.
* Strengthening internal communication to curb rumours and misinformation capable of reigniting conflicts.
* Involving youth leaders, women groups and emerging political actors in reconciliation efforts to ensure broader ownership of the process.
* Setting up a standing conflict-resolution mechanism that can promptly address disputes before they escalate.
Beyond Reconciliation
Analysts also argue that reconciliation alone may not guarantee electoral success.
To become competitive in 2027, the APC would need to complement internal unity with issue-based campaigning, effective grassroots mobilisation, voter engagement, strategic communication and policies that resonate with the aspirations of Oyo residents.
Building confidence among undecided voters, projecting its governorship candidate positively and vigorously, and sustaining unity beyond the primaries are widely seen as factors that will ultimately determine the party’s chances at the polls.
Looking Ahead
The composition of the committee reflects an attempt to draw from the experience of respected elders, technocrats and long-serving party figures whose influence cuts across different tendencies within the Oyo APC.
Whether the committee succeeds will depend not only on the calibre of its members but also on the willingness of party leaders and supporters to place collective interest above individual ambition.
With less than a year before political activities for the 2027 elections begin to intensify, the committee’s ability to heal divisions, restore confidence and forge a united opposition could prove decisive in shaping the APC’s fortunes in Oyo State.
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