The All Progressives Congress in Oyo State on Thursday applauded its members for what it described as their peaceful, mature and orderly conduct during the party’s primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying they deserved commendation for sustaining internal democracy.

The party also disclosed that it had commenced moves to reconcile aggrieved aspirants and stakeholders following the conclusion of the fourth phase of its scheduled primaries, including the governorship primary held on Thursday.

The governorship primary, which featured 11 aspirants cleared by the party’s national leadership, marked another milestone in the Oyo APC’s preparations for the 2027 elections as it intensifies efforts to reclaim power in the state.

In a statement issued in Ibadan by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the APC said the conduct displayed by members throughout the exercise would remain memorable, adding that no amount of commendation would be enough to appreciate their sense of responsibility and commitment.

The statement partly read, “Against all odds, members of Oyo APC demonstrated a high sense of maturity and commitment in choosing party candidates for various elective offices, including the House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate and governorship positions.

“Not a few political watchers doubted the ability of any political party to conduct successful and hitch-free direct primaries for known reasons, but our great party has proved them wrong.”

The party acknowledged that some complaints and grievances had emerged from aspirants and stakeholders after the primaries but assured members that no individual would be sidelined in the affairs of the party.

“We are aware of complaints and grievances from some aspirants and stakeholders, but no individual leader or member will be taken for granted because we recognise the fact that most complainants are progressive-minded persons with passion for democracy and good governance,” the statement added.

The APC further described its direct primary process as evidence of its commitment to grassroots participation and democratic values, insisting that the exercise distinguished it from other political parties.

“Going by the current situation in the political space across the country, we in the APC have further shown that we are the only democrats around. With the success recorded so far in the conduct of our direct primaries, there is no doubt that our great party is committed to deepening democracy by involving people at the grassroots in the selection of candidates,” it stated.

The party, however, admitted that the process was not entirely flawless but maintained that stakeholders, especially members at the grassroots, deserved recognition for their dedication, loyalty and team spirit.

It noted that as a democratic institution, only one aspirant could emerge victorious in any contest, expressing optimism that members would close ranks and work together for the success of the party in the forthcoming elections.

The statement added that a post-primary reconciliation mechanism had already been activated to ensure unity within the fold.

“The leadership of the party in the state is already working on a post-primary reconciliation drive and very soon, everyone will be on board to participate actively in our electioneering drive,” Sadare said.

The party added that it remained focused on mobilising support for the re-election of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and reclaiming the Oyo State governorship seat in 2027.

‎There was jubilation across the nine local government areas of Oyo South Senatorial District on Monday as the lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, Aderemi Oseni, secured a landslide victory in the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election, winning in all 99 wards in the district.

‎Oseni, who chairs the House Committee on the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), emerged victorious across the nine councils that make up the senatorial district, in what party faithful described as a peaceful and well-attended exercise.
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‎The primary election witnessed a large turnout of APC members, many of whom trooped to their respective wards to participate in the exercise amid chants, celebrations, and jubilation following the announcement of results.
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‎Speaking shortly after voting at Community High School, Elenusonso,in ward 7 of Ido local government area, Oseni expressed appreciation to party members for what he described as overwhelming support and confidence in his aspiration.
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‎He assured party members that immediate steps would be taken to unite stakeholders and strengthen cohesion within the party ahead of the general election.
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‎According to him, reconciliation among aspirants and party leaders remained a priority to ensure a formidable APC in Oyo South.
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‎“Disagreement over the nomination of candidates in a political party as large as the APC is expected and normal. We are one family, and whatever misunderstanding that may have arisen during the process will be resolved amicably,” he said.
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‎Oseni also hailed the peaceful conduct of the primary election and the impressive turnout of party members across the nine local government areas, describing the exercise as a demonstration of internal democracy and the growing strength of the APC in Oyo South Senatorial District.
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‎He further pledged inclusive leadership and sustained engagement with party stakeholders, stressing that the collective interest and unity of the APC would remain paramount.

The lawmaker representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Akinmoyede Olafisoye Wasiu, popularly known as Lafi, has emerged as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 House of Representatives election after defeating two rivals in the party’s primary election.

Lafi secured victory in the keenly contested exercise held on Saturday,  defeating Hon. Sulaiman Hamidu Ajibade and Hon. Danladi Ajao Wasiu by a wide margin to clinch the party’s ticket.

The primary election, conducted across the 26 wards in Akinyele and Lagelu Local Government Areas of Oyo State, witnessed a large turnout of party members amid what observers described as a peaceful and orderly process.

The incumbent lawmaker, who is serving his first term in the National Assembly, reportedly garnered overwhelming support from party faithful  whom cited his performance in office and commitment to grassroots development as reasons for backing his re-election bid.

Some party members who spoke with journalists shortly after the announcement of the results said the outcome reflected the confidence reposed in the lawmaker by constituents.

“Our decision to support him is based on his proven capacity for effective representation, accessibility and unwavering commitment to the unity and growth of the party,” one of the party members said.

Others also commended the federal lawmaker’s empowerment initiatives and constituency engagements, describing them as major factors that shaped the outcome of the exercise.

Addressing party supporters after the election at Ward 7, Lalupon, Lafi expressed gratitude to APC members for their support and confidence in his leadership.

He also appealed to other aspirants and party stakeholders to close ranks and work together in the interest of unity and electoral victory in the 2027 general elections.

“This victory belongs to all of us. I appreciate the trust and confidence our party members have reposed in me, and I urge everyone to join hands with us as we continue to build a stronger and more united party ahead of the 2027 elections,” he said.