By John Dike, Osogbo
Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ife Federal Constituency have urged the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, to work closely with party stakeholders to ensure unity and victory in the August 2026 governorship election in Osun State.
They also advised the state’s APC chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, to adopt a more inclusive leadership style that accommodates all interests within the party.
The call was made during a meeting of APC leaders in Ife Federal Constituency with former National Secretary of the party and senator representing Osun East, Iyiola Omisore, over issues surrounding the forthcoming governorship election.
The meeting, presided over by former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Sooko Adeleke Adewoyin, was attended by party leaders drawn from the four local governments in the Ife axis as well as the Ife East Area Office.
At the meeting, the elders sought clarification from Omisore on whether he was consulted before the appointment of the party’s deputy governorship candidate by Oyetola.
They expressed concern that what they described as another “imposition” could create disaffection within the Ife caucus and spark fresh tensions between political interests in Ife North and Ife Central.
Rising from the meeting, the leaders distanced themselves from the alleged imposition of the deputy governorship candidate and cautioned against what they termed the “militarisation of politics” in the state.
They further criticised the leadership of the party in the state for allegedly sidelining key stakeholders in the decision-making process, particularly on issues affecting the Ife bloc.
The elders also raised concerns over what they described as “double nominations” involving Hon. Lekan Olatunji and Mr Benjamin Adereti for the same position, warning that the development could threaten the unity of the party in the area.
According to them, such actions could revive long-standing political and ethnic sensitivities within Ife land if not properly managed.
The meeting also took exception to a proposed reception planned by a segment of the party for the nominated running mate, noting that the event was being organised without the proper involvement of all party interests in the Ife axis.
The leaders said they would only be convinced about genuine reconciliation within the party after candidates for other elective positions, including the Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly, emerge by May.
They stressed that fairness in the distribution of party tickets after the disputed governorship primaries would be critical in addressing grievances among party stakeholder.
“We condemn the imposition in its entirety. We are awaiting what plans Oyetola has for the Senate, House of Representatives and Assembly tickets, which must be concluded by the end of May before we determine our holistic steps and direction,” the leaders said.
As part of efforts to resolve the issues, the meeting set up a five-man committee to open discussions with elder statesmen, including Alani Akinrinade and former interim national chairman of the APC, Bisi Akande, in order to ensure lasting peace within the party.
The leaders said they would monitor developments until the committee concludes consultations and reports back at their next meeting.
Among those who attended the meeting were Sooko Adeleke Adewoyin, Prince Omolade Binuyo, Alhaji Basiru Awotorebo, Alhaji Olafiranye, Mr Kole Akinrinade, Alhaji Fatai Kolawole, Mr Kayode Akintifonbo, Alhaji Olowo Asalu, Prof. Moses Awogbade, Mr John Fakunle, Mr Mafikuyomi, Hon. F’Olorunso Oladoyin, Hon. Wale Ojo, Hon. Jamiu Olawumi, Hon. Ogunremi and Mr Tona Famadewa, alongside Iyiola Omisore.
