The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Pharm. Olayide Aba, has expressed optimism that the internal crisis rocking the party is nearing resolution, saying stakeholders are now ready to work together to rebuild a united and formidable progressive front.
Abas stated this on Thursday while addressing journalists who visited him at the party’s secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan.
He said conflicts are natural in any political setting and that the ability of leaders to manage them determines the strength and success of the organisation.
“Crisis has always been part of human existence, and it is not expected that any political gathering would be without disagreements arising from interactions, competition and ambition,” he said. “The ability of a party’s leadership to manage such inevitable issues effectively defines its growth, expansion and electoral success.”
The APC chairman noted that the party in Oyo State had faced several challenges in the past seven to eight years but added that members were now united in their resolve to move forward.
“We have got to a point where virtually everyone is saying ‘enough is enough’. We held a Leadership Summit on Tuesday, and its outcome reflected a bright future of hope, unity and progress for our great party,” Abas said.
According to him, the summit, which attracted dignitaries and stakeholders from across the state, signalled a new beginning for the APC in Oyo.
He commended prominent leaders, including former Deputy Governor, Chief Iyiola Oladokun; former state chairman, Chief Akin Oke; Senator Ayo Adeseun; Senator Brimo Yusuf; and Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, among others, for their roles in fostering peace and reconciliation within the party.
Abas also lauded the contributions of members of the Peace Advocates, a group of eminent APC leaders, for their efforts in rekindling unity and commitment among members.
“Since I assumed office as chairman late last year, we have embarked on several reconciliation efforts, and the results are already manifesting. The success of the summit was made possible by well-meaning members who genuinely desire the best for our party,” he said.
Abas added that the party would soon set up an implementation committee to act on the resolutions reached at the summit, while preparations are underway to convene an expanded stakeholders’ meeting aimed at further strengthening unity among members.
