Oyo APC Responds as Ex-Reps Aspirant Says Lack of Internal Democracy Caused Party’s Failure in 2023

• The APC in Oyo state has responded to a comment by a retired army captain and Ibadan-born businessman, Akinjide Kazeem Akinola
• Akinola, a former APC house of representatives aspirant, had said the lack of transparency and internal democracy caused the failure of the party to win some elections in 2023
• However, speaking in an interview with Legit.ng, Wasiu Sadare, the Oyo state APC spokesman, said the party is not paying too much attention to the new returnee's remarks

Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 6-year-experience covering politics and elections in Nigeria

Ibadan, Oyo state - The Oyo state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said it has moved on since the conduct of the 2023 general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Read also

BREAKING: Wike wins as court bars PDP, INEC from stopping 27 Rivers lawmakers

Legit.ng recalls that the APC lost the 2023 Oyo state governorship election. Its candidate, Teslim Folarin, came second, behind Governor Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

APC "focused" on building "strong" party

Nine months after the 2023 general elections, Akinjide Kazeem Akinola, a former house of representatives aspirant in Oyo state, said lack of internal democracy caused the Oyo APC's failure in 2023.

But reacting, the party, through its spokesperson, Olawale Wasiu Sadare, said “the 2023 general elections have become history”.

Sadare told Legit.ng in a brief chat:

“We have since moved on as a party and we would not allow comments and innuendos from any quarters to sway us as we are focused on building a strong, virile, and better progressive family in the state.”

Read also

“A grand plan”: New twist as Primate Ayodele says Gov Fubara will defect to APC

Aggrieved APC members get urgent message

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the leadership of the APC in Oyo state warned existing and returning members to shun any action capable of polarising the party as it is poised to continue with its reconciliation efforts despite the recent return of a good number of former members.

In a statement made available to Legit.ng by Sadare, Oyo APC urged all other former party members who are yet to return to come back 'home'.

APC reacts as Adelabu defects

Meanwhile, the APC in Oyo state expressed its readiness to receive Bayo Adelabu, the minister of power, back into its fold.

Speaking to Legit.ng on Adelabu's official return to the Oyo APC, Sadare disclosed that the reconciliation efforts led by the Isaac Omodewu-led state executive committee have yielded a positive result, "showcasing the party's commitment to unity".

Read also

BREAKING: Influential Edo politician declares for governorship election, details emerge

Oyo APC tackles Makinde

Legit.ng also reported that the APC in Oyo strongly criticised Governor Seyi Makinde's 2024 budget, labeling it as defective, unrealistic, and fraudulent.

The opposition party accuses the governor of lacking innovation, policy direction, and accountability, claiming that the budget fails to address the state's economic challenges.

Source: Legit.ng