The recent developments arising from the APC governorship primary process in Oyo State have understandably generated considerable interest, concern and debate among party members, stakeholders and the wider public. As a committed progressive and loyal member of our great party, I believe this is a moment that calls for wisdom, restraint, maturity and an unwavering commitment to the principles upon which the All Progressives Congress was founded.
First and foremost, I reaffirm my loyalty to our great party, the APC, and to our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, whose lifelong commitment to democratic ideals, institution-building and progressive governance continues to inspire millions of Nigerians. It is because we belong to a party built on democratic values that we must allow due process to prevail.
The APC is bigger than any individual, bigger than any aspiration and bigger than any temporary disagreement. The strength of our party lies in its institutions, constitutional structures and the confidence of its members that justice, fairness and transparency will always guide its decisions.
It is therefore understandable that concerns have been raised by stakeholders regarding the conduct of the process, the credibility of figures announced and the interpretation of party procedures. In a democratic party, members have the right to seek clarification and pursue legitimate avenues of redress where questions arise. Such concerns deserve careful, objective and impartial consideration in the interest of justice, transparency and party cohesion. Genuine grievances should not be ignored, just as no member should take actions capable of prejudging matters that remain subject to the constitutional processes of the party.
The authority to make final and binding pronouncements on matters arising from internal electoral processes rests with the appropriate organs of the APC. Respect for party supremacy requires respect for those institutions and confidence in their ability to discharge their responsibilities fairly, transparently and in accordance with the party’s constitution.
For this reason, I respectfully urge all stakeholders to exercise patience and restraint as the relevant organs of the party fulfil their responsibilities. The integrity of our party is strengthened when its institutions are allowed to function without undue pressure, premature conclusions or competing narratives.
I therefore appeal to all aspirants, their supporters, party leaders, elders and stakeholders to sheath their swords and place the unity, stability and future of the APC above every other consideration. No personal ambition should be greater than the collective interest of our party and the aspirations of the people of Oyo State.
I also respectfully urge all concerned to refrain from dragging the name of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, into local political disagreements and competing narratives. President Tinubu remains the leader of our great party and the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The greatest respect we can show him is to uphold the values of fairness, discipline, due process and institution-building that have defined his political journey.
We must not forget the lessons of our recent political history. Whenever internal grievances are left unresolved or members lose confidence in the fairness of party processes, the consequences are often felt far beyond the immediate dispute. The APC in Oyo State cannot afford avoidable divisions at a time when our collective focus should be on strengthening the party, rebuilding public confidence and preparing for future electoral success.
Let the APC emerge stronger, more united and better positioned to continue the progressive mission of delivering development, opportunity and good governance to the people of Oyo State.
May God continue to bless President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of our great party and the good people of Oyo State.
Dr. Ayobami Wasiu Lam-Adesina
APC Chieftain and Stakeholder, Oyo State
