The Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has inaugurated a reconciliation committee to settle grievances stemming from the conduct of its senatorial and House of Representatives primaries and the distribution of tickets for the 2027 general election.
Background of the Dispute
The move follows rising dissatisfaction among several aspirants who contested the results of the party’s primaries. Some candidates, who claimed they were initially declared winners, have taken the matter to court, alleging that their names were swapped on the list of candidates forwarded by the APC National Working Committee to the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Leadership’s Response
Speaking at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat in Akure on Friday, Ondo APC Chairman Babatunde Kolawole explained that the committee was formed after extensive consultations with the party leadership.
“There is no way we will go through political activities without issues. There will be political bickering, there will be arguments, but one thing that is good about our party is that we have internal mechanisms for resolving disagreements,” Kolawole said.
He added that the reconciliation panel would begin work immediately and would consist of seasoned party stakeholders and leaders with influence at both state and national levels.
Committee Composition and Mandate
Prince Biyi Poroye has been appointed to lead the committee, alongside other competent stakeholders tasked with reconciling aggrieved members and ensuring internal harmony.
Kolawole emphasized that the APC remains committed to using its established conflict‑resolution structures to address disputes arising from the primaries.
Reactions from Aggrieved Aspirants
Former Ondo State Commissioner for Energy, Razaq Obe, has been vocal about his concerns, warning that unresolved disputes could damage the party’s electoral chances in the state, including President Bola Tinubu’s re‑election bid.
In an interview on Arise TV, Obe stated, “If you say go to elections today in the state, I don’t fear for other people who are playing these games, but for the President himself. In Ondo State, he had 67 per cent of our votes in the last election, the highest in the country.”
Kolawole responded to such criticisms by affirming that party members are free to express personal views, but those statements should not be construed as the official position of the APC or the state government.
“Those who did not win have every right to express their opinions. Razaq Obe is entitled to his opinion. He did not speak on behalf of the party, the government or the leadership. He spoke as an individual,” he clarified.
The inauguration of the reconciliation committee signals the Ondo APC’s intent to heal internal rifts and present a united front as the 2027 general election approaches.
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