By David Oluwaseun
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has commenced moves to reconcile members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who became aggrieved following the party’s recent primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Abiodun announced the establishment of a reconciliation committee on Monday during a meeting with APC leaders and stakeholders in Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area.
The governor said the committee would reach out to members who lost in the primaries, listen to their concerns and ensure that they remained integrated into the party’s activities.
He said reconciliation was necessary to strengthen the APC ahead of the 2027 elections, stressing that members who contested and lost remained important to the party.
“I want us to set up a reconciliation committee in Ijebu-Ode because I know that we have some of our members who are still angry. I want us to be aggressive about that reconciliation. Let us appeal to them. I am ready to implement the report of the reconciliation you will submit to me,” Abiodun said.
The governor appointed Chief Olu Okuboyejo as chairman of the committee, with former Deputy Governor Yetunde Onanuga and state commissioners serving as members.
He also directed the establishment of similar reconciliation committees at the ward and local government levels.
Abiodun said the reconciliation exercise would not be limited to those who lost the primaries but would also seek to accommodate all members committed to the APC.
“We must reach out to them, give them a sense of belonging, assuage their concerns and ensure proper reconciliation. There is room for everybody,” he said.
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The governor also called on party leaders to expand the APC’s membership by welcoming individuals from opposition parties, while urging members to focus on issue-based campaigns ahead of the elections.
He said the APC had a record of performance at both the state and federal levels, adding that the party should use its achievements as the basis for engaging voters.
The governor said his administration had expanded Ogun State’s economy to about N17 trillion, while internally generated revenue had risen to N250 billion and was projected to reach N300 billion before the end of the year.
Abiodun described the meeting as the formal commencement of his political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He also thanked residents of Ijebu-Ode for their support for the APC during the 2019 and 2023 elections, promising continued investment in infrastructure and delivery of development projects in the area.
The Director-General of the Campaign Committee, Senator Lekan Mustapha, said Ijebu-Ode, as the headquarters of Ogun East Senatorial District, had a significant voter population that required effective mobilisation.
Mustapha noted that the local government had 161 polling units, stressing the importance of strengthening the party’s structure across the units.
Abiodun later held similar meetings with APC leaders and executives in Ijebu-North East and Odogbolu Local Government Areas as part of efforts to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
