A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Oyo State, Akinjide Kazeem Akinola, has stated that the party needs genuine reconciliation if it desires to stronger for the 2027 elections.
According to Akinola, who was an aspirant for Egbeda/Ona-Ara seat of the house of representatives, the party needs to move fast and pacify aspirants and members who are dissatisfied with the outcome of the selection process that produced the candidates for the forthcoming elections.
Akinola who was reacting to news of the composition of reconciliation committee, urged members of the team to be genuine with the task and reach out to affected stakeholders.
“The selection process has come and gone but that is not all. I know for a fact that out of the over 150,000 registered members of the party in the state, only 51 people can fly the flag in an election year. I also know that primaries or selection process as the case may be is not 100 per cent fair but people must be treated with respect.
“For me, I aspired and had let go and accepted the outcome. I have moved on and have nothing against the party but there are people who are still bitter from governorship to assembly aspirants. We must be fair to all. We must not do it in a way that we beat someone and still want to teach him how to cry.
“The fact is that we, politicians, are fewer in numbers compared to the electorates who form opinion based on many yardsticks. Most voters fall in love with individuals first before the party. The party, across the 33 local government areas, knows those critical aggrieved partymen, they should reach out to them. It doesn’t have to be a one-off thing— it should be continuous to serve as a kind assurance.
“So the reconciliation should not be built on the saying that the party is supreme. Yes we know but there should be a genuine appeal to everyone not just the aspirants but there are leaders and followers to be reached out to. Party is supreme but we must be fair. The success of the party is success for all. We must do things right.
“Those who were fortunate to be selected should not grandstand. They should go all out and build bridges by reaching out to aggrieved members. They can suggest their names to the committee. No candidate can win election alone anywhere. It is done through teamwork,” Akinola advised.
To show that he has put what happened behind, Akinola said he has continued to put smiles on the faces of the people. “This is because that is where the votes come from. I am about to complete installation of 350 solar-panel streetlights in Ona-Ara. We will start that of Egbeda phase soon. These are done towards the success of the party and not for my own purpose alone. I commenced this after the primaries. They are verifiable.”
The Ona-Ara born politician assured of his continued support for the APC in the state, adding that he is fully committed to the party returning to power in the 2027 elections.
