APC Must Address Internal Grievances Ahead of 2027 — Igbimo Agba Chairman

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Igbimo Agba in Osun State, Engr. Sola Akinwumi, has urged the party’s leadership and members to address internal grievances, factional tendencies and allegations of exclusion within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Akinwumi made the call while reacting to the outcome of the August 15, 2026 governorship election in Osun State, in which the APC candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), lost to the incumbent governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke.

In a statement issued on Friday, Akinwumi acknowledged the disappointment of APC members over the election outcome but urged them not to despair, stressing that the party still had a greater assignment ahead.

He commended the party’s National Leader and President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as other leaders, including former Osun State Governor, Chief Bisi Akande; former Governor and state party leader, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola; State Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal; members of the state executive; National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru; and members of the Igbimo Agba for their contributions and sacrifices towards the election.

The APC chieftain also praised the party’s governorship candidate, Oyebamiji, for what he described as a dignified campaign, saying the candidate travelled across the state, listened to the people and gave his best to the contest.

According to him, the votes secured by Oyebamiji and the goodwill generated during the campaign constituted a foundation upon which the party could build.

Akinwumi urged APC members who participated actively in the campaign not to allow the election result to undermine their commitment to the party.

“I know that you are disappointed. You spent your time, your money and your energy. Some of you were even attacked and insulted. I commend you for your sacrifice. Do not let the result steal your joy or your faith in our party,” he said.

He urged members to leave the legal aspect of the election to professionals while concentrating on strengthening the party’s structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He called for the strengthening of the party’s wards, empowerment of youths and continued engagement with the electorate, stressing that politics was not a one-day affair.

Akinwumi also appealed to APC members to shun violence and self-pity, insisting that the party remained bigger than any individual or election.

“APC is not about one man or one election. APC is an idea — the idea of progressive governance, discipline and service. That idea is not dead,” he said.

However, the Igbimo Agba chairman said the party must undertake a critical review of its internal operations following what he described as “warning signs” that emerged during the build-up to the governorship election.

He identified growing disagreements, internal grievances, factional tendencies and accusations of exclusion among members as issues that required urgent attention.

According to him, addressing the challenges has become necessary if the APC is to reposition itself and perform better in future elections, particularly the 2027 general elections.

“This has to do with the party’s internal mechanism and its relationship with the people. There are warning signs within the party, evidenced in the growing disagreements, internal grievances, factional tendencies and accusation of exclusion amongst party members.

“I believe it is time to address these issues and do the necessary corrections and amendments in the light of future elections, most importantly the 2027 General Elections. A word, it is said, is enough for the wise,” he stated.

Akinwumi urged party leaders and members to draw lessons from the 2026 governorship election and use the experience to rebuild the APC into a stronger and more united political organisation.

Quoting the Yoruba proverb, “B’omode ba subu, a wo iwaju; b’agba ba subu, a wo ehin,” he said the party must examine what went wrong, learn from the experience and move forward with dignity.

He concluded by calling for unity and renewed commitment among APC members, while expressing optimism that better days were ahead for the party.

“Osun State is bigger than one election. The work we started on the streets, in the markets, in the mosques, in the schools and in the churches — that work must continue,” he said.