Beyond politics: Renewing confidence and building a stronger APC for 2027
By Tunde OlajideAs political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, one lesson from Nigeria’s democratic experience remains unmistakable: political parties rarely lose. . .
2027 general elections, one lesson from Nigeria’s democratic experience remains unmistakable: political parties rarely lose elections because of the strength of their opponents; they often lose because of internal divisions. For the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, this reality has informed the ongoing reconciliation efforts aimed at healing wounds arising from the recently concluded governorship primary election. The party appears determined not to repeat mistakes that have, in the past, cost it electoral victories despite its enormous political strength. The establishment of the APC Oyo Governorship Primaries Reconciliation Committee by the party leadership is therefore more than a routine post-primary exercise. It is a strategic intervention designed to restore confidence, rebuild trust and unite all tendencies within the party behind its governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli. The committee has embarked on extensive consultations with aspirants, party leaders, elders and stakeholders across the state. Its assignment has not merely been to listen to complaints but to identify practical pathways for reconciliation and lasting unity. Its engagement has reaffirmed an important democratic principle: disagreements after party primaries are neither unusual nor unhealthy. Every competitive election naturally produces winners and disappointed contestants. What distinguishes a mature political party is its ability to resolve such disagreements through dialogue, mutual respect and established institutional mechanisms. Encouragingly, many of the aggrieved aspirants have demonstrated remarkable maturity by participating in the reconciliation process. Their willingness to engage with the committee reflects their enduring commitment to the APC and their recognition that the collective interest of the party must ultimately prevail over individual ambitions. The committee itself has consistently emphasised that within the APC family, there should be no victor and no vanquished. Every aspirant contributed significantly to strengthening the party before, during and after the primary election. Their political structures, supporters and ideas remain valuable assets that must be preserved and harnessed for the task ahead. The reconciliation exercise has also underscored another important reality: winning the governorship election in 2027 will require the contributions of every stakeholder. No single individual, regardless of popularity or political influence, can deliver victory alone. READ ALSO:2027: Oyo APC aspirants fault Alli’s claims, demand credible consensus candidateThis explains why the committee has continued to encourage consultations beyond formal meetings, urging aspirants and their supporters to embrace forgiveness, mutual understanding and genuine reconciliation. Reports from the consultations indicate significant progress, with most of the contentious issues already substantially resolved. The committee has equally expressed optimism that the remaining concerns can be addressed before the commencement of the party’s governorship and presidential campaigns, ensuring that the APC enters the next phase of political mobilisation as a united and focused organisation. Political observers believe this approach represents one of the party’s greatest strengths. Reconciliation is not merely about settling disputes; it is about restoring confidence among party faithful, reassuring supporters and presenting a united front to the electorate. History offers useful lessons. Political parties that manage internal disagreements through dialogue and inclusiveness often emerge stronger and more competitive at the polls. Conversely, unresolved grievances frequently translate into voter apathy, defections or internal sabotage during elections. For the APC in Oyo State, unity has therefore become both a moral imperative and an electoral necessity. The emergence of Senator Sharafadeen Alli as the party’s governorship candidate has shifted attention from the contest for nomination to the larger contest for the hearts and votes of the people of Oyo State. That objective can only be achieved through collective effort. The reconciliation committee has repeatedly reminded party members that the APC remains one political family bound together by common ideals and a shared vision for the development of Oyo State. The task before every stakeholder is to subordinate personal interests to the overriding objective of returning the party to power in 2027. This message resonates beyond party circles. The electorate is more likely to place confidence in a political party that demonstrates internal cohesion, discipline and the capacity to resolve disagreements peacefully. As the committee prepares to submit its report to the appropriate organs of the party, expectations remain high that its recommendations will consolidate the gains already recorded and lay the foundation for sustained unity across the state. Ultimately, the reconciliation process is not an end in itself. It is a means to a larger goal—building a formidable, cohesive and election-ready APC capable of offering Oyo State purposeful leadership. If the consultations continue in the current spirit of sincerity, compromise and inclusiveness, the APC may well have discovered the most potent strategy for 2027. In politics, candidates matter. Manifestoes matter. Campaigns matter. But history has repeatedly shown that unity remains the greatest winning strategy of all. Olajide, an APC stalwart writes from OyoWATCH TOP VIDEOS FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE TVBack to School, Back to Business A Fresh StartRelationship Hangout: Public vs Private Proposals – Which Truly Wins in Love?“No” Is a Complete Sentence: Why You Should Stop Feeling GuiltyRelationship Hangout: Friendship Talk 2025 – How to Be a Good Friend & Big Questions on FriendshipPolice Overpower Armed Robbers in Ibadan After Fierce StruggleGet real-time news updates from Tribune Online! Follow us on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive stories and interviews, and much more. Join our WhatsApp Channel now