By John Dike, Osogbo
With barely days left to the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in Osun State, the Integrity Group of Nigeria (Osun Chapter) has sounded an urgent alarm over what it calls “dangerous internal hostilities” threatening the party’s unity and its chances in the 2026 general election.
In a statement issued in Osogbo on Friday, and signed by the group’s Chairman, Comrade Salam Mustapha Olamilekan, the Integrity Group appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately intervene and bring all factions to a peace table before the December 13 primary “degenerates into irreversible crisis.”
According to the statement, rising tensions within the APC, especially between supporters of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, and former APC National Secretary, Otunba Iyiola Omisore, have escalated into frequent verbal clashes, coordinated media attacks, and subtle character assassinations.
The group expressed serious concern that the rivalry between these powerful blocs is already destabilizing party structures and could jeopardize what it describes as the APC’s “historic opportunity” to reclaim Osun State after what it believes are widespread public disappointments with the current administration.
“When two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers,” the group warned.
“The ongoing hostility among major blocs within Osun APC risks making ordinary party members and the party’s electoral fortune the ultimate casualties.”
The Integrity Group stressed that the APC currently enjoys unprecedented goodwill from the electorate and stands a strong chance of returning to power in 2026, an opportunity it says must not be wasted due to internal wrangling.
“We must not destroy our own chances through reckless infighting,” the group said, noting that losing the 2026 governorship race to disunity would amount to a “self-inflicted and unforgivable political wound.”
The group called on President Tinubu, as national leader of the APC, to summon Oyetola, Omisore, and all other governorship aspirants to Abuja for what it described as a “presidential peace conference” aimed at restoring discipline and defining a unified interest ahead of the primary.
“It is time to calm nerves and bring everyone under one umbrella of collective interest before December 13,” the statement emphasized.
The Integrity Group further appealed to all aspirants, their supporters, and party stakeholders to avoid divisive statements, inflammatory propaganda, and actions capable of tearing the party apart at a critical moment.
“The APC must go into this primary with love, unity, and maturity. We must not repeat the mistakes of the past,” it added.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace and responsible leadership, the group insisted that integrity and cooperation must guide the party as it enters what it described as “one of the most defining moments in its political journey.”
