The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State is ramping up its reconciliation efforts as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections. This initiative follows a meeting led by the National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, who received the report from the state reconciliation committee in Ibadan.

Notably absent from the meeting were several prominent aggrieved governorship aspirants, including former governor and Senator Teslim Folarin, Minister of Power Bayo Adelabu, Akeem Agbaje, Hakeem Alao, and former deputy governor Rauf Olaniyan. Their absence highlights the ongoing rifts within the party that the leadership is keen to address.

Yilwatda emphasized the importance of unity within the party, stating that the internal disagreements should be viewed as a family issue. He expressed optimism about resolving these issues through dialogue, asserting, "The APC is a family. Whatever that is happening in the party is a family issue. It is normal for members of the same family to have challenges but we are happy that the issues are being addressed as a family."

The reconciliation meeting aims to mend relationships and rebuild trust among party members, particularly in light of grievances stemming from the recent governorship primary elections. Yilwatda assured members that the reconciliation process is ongoing and that the concerns of the aggrieved would be taken into account by the party leadership.

Femi Lanlehin, chairman of the Oyo State APC Reconciliation Committee, reported progress in efforts to bring back aggrieved members before the elections. He noted that the committee had met with all the discontented aspirants and submitted its findings to the national chairman for further action. Lanlehin remarked, "The party is making headway in its efforts to reconcile the aggrieved members before the conduct of the 2027 elections."

Furthermore, the party leadership is planning to engage with President Bola Tinubu to further address the internal conflicts and ensure they do not hinder the party's electoral prospects. Lanlehin stressed the urgency of resolving these disputes, stating, "We cannot afford to lose the 2027 election to any opposition party in Oyo State. I am assuring you that we will win all the elective positions at all levels in 2027 in Oyo State."

As the APC navigates these internal challenges, the focus remains on strengthening the party's organizational structure and ensuring a united front ahead of the crucial elections. The leadership is hopeful that with continued dialogue and reconciliation, the party can overcome its current hurdles and reclaim Oyo State from the ruling party in the upcoming election.