By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
A governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has appealed to party members across the state to remain calm, avoid defections, and await the official announcement of candidates by the party’s national leadership following the conclusion of the party’s primary elections.
Adelabu made the appeal amid growing tension within the party over the circulation of alleged lists of successful candidates for various elective positions ahead of the forthcoming governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly elections.
In a statement made available to journalists, the former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria expressed concern over what he described as the spread of unofficial information capable of creating confusion among party members and supporters.
According to him, the National Headquarters of the APC has not authorized any individual, group, or committee at the state level to announce the final outcome of the primary elections, urging members to disregard any list being circulated through unofficial channels.
“The National Leadership of our party remains the only authority empowered to make the final pronouncement on the outcome of the primaries. Any purported list being circulated should be treated with caution until the party officially communicates its decision,” he said.
The APC governorship hopeful noted that the atmosphere of uncertainty generated by conflicting claims and alleged endorsements had heightened anxiety among party faithful, stressing that members should not allow themselves to be influenced by rumours or premature declarations of victory.
He warned that actions capable of creating divisions within the party could undermine efforts to reposition the APC for electoral success in Oyo State.
The Merit Newspaper reports that Adelabu particularly condemned reports of members leaving the party due to dissatisfaction arising from speculations surrounding the primary process, describing such defections as counterproductive and detrimental to the collective interest of the APC.
He argued that abandoning the party based on unverified information would only weaken the political structure painstakingly built over the years and strengthen opposition parties ahead of the elections.
“Every committed member has contributed immensely to the growth of the APC. It would be unfortunate for anyone to abandon the party because of rumours and unofficial claims,” he stated.
The former ministerial nominee also urged party leaders, elders, youth groups, women groups, support organisations, and fellow aspirants to exercise restraint in their public comments and actions, warning against inflammatory statements capable of deepening existing divisions.
Political observers have noted that internal disagreements and post-primary disputes have historically affected the fortunes of several political parties in Nigeria, especially during election seasons. In Oyo State, analysts believe party cohesion could play a decisive role in determining the outcome of future electoral contests.
Drawing lessons from previous election cycles, Adelabu said the APC must avoid repeating mistakes that contributed to setbacks in past elections.
He maintained that the party’s national leadership possesses the experience and institutional capacity required to address concerns arising from the primary process and ensure fairness for all stakeholders.
The governorship aspirant expressed confidence that the APC leadership would take necessary steps to preserve unity and strengthen the party ahead of the elections.
He further called on members to place the collective interest of the party above personal ambitions, emphasizing that political parties remain larger than individual aspirations.
“This is the time for patience, maturity and loyalty. Our focus should be on strengthening the party and preparing for the task ahead rather than engaging in actions that could divide us,” Adelabu said.
He reassured supporters that concerns raised by party members would be addressed through the appropriate party structures and expressed optimism that the APC would emerge stronger from the ongoing process.
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The appeal comes at a time when political activities are intensifying across Oyo State, with parties preparing for what is expected to be a keenly contested election season.
Adelabu concluded by urging APC members to remain steadfast and united, expressing hope that the party would overcome its current challenges and position itself for victory in the elections ahead.
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