Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across six local government areas of Oyo State have expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of the party’s recent ward, local government, and state congresses, describing the exercise as a significant departure from the turbulence that once defined such internal processes.
Rising from a quarterly meeting held at the party’s secretariat along New Ife Road in Ibadan, the stakeholders—drawn from Akinyele, Egbeda, Ido, Lagelu, Oluyole, and Ona-Ara LGAs—nonetheless called for a critical review of the party’s zoning arrangement at the national level, arguing that equity and inclusiveness must remain central to party unity and electoral success.
The position of the group was contained in a communiqué jointly signed by its Chairman, Kamorudeen Ajisafe, and Secretary, Buliaminu Ogundele, shortly after deliberations that spanned several hours.
According to the communiqué, what stood out most in the just-concluded congresses was not merely the outcome but the process—one that many participants described as calm, coordinated, and largely devoid of the rancour that marred previous exercises.
The stakeholders recalled that in the months leading up to the congresses, anxiety had gripped party faithful, fueled by memories of the controversial exercises of 2018 and 2022, which were characterised by disputes, factional disagreements, and parallel congresses in some areas.
“A few months ago, the fear from many quarters about the possibility of another round of controversy emanating from the planned congresses was palpable as a result of previous experiences,” the communiqué noted.
Yet, contrary to those fears, the exercise unfolded with minimal friction. Party members, leaders, and observers reportedly witnessed a process that, while not entirely free of disagreements, was managed with restraint and a commitment to internal democracy.
The stakeholders attributed this shift to improved coordination by party leadership, enhanced communication among party organs, and what they described as a renewed willingness among members to prioritise unity over personal ambition.
They commended the leadership of the APC at the state and national levels for what they termed “proactive measures” that ensured a level playing field and reduced the likelihood of conflict. In particular, they praised the mechanisms put in place to address grievances promptly, preventing escalation.
However, even as they celebrated the relative success of the congresses, the stakeholders used the opportunity to raise concerns about the party’s zoning formula at the national level, which they believe requires urgent reassessment.
Zoning, a long-standing feature of Nigeria’s political arrangement, is often employed to balance power among the country’s diverse regions. But the Oyo stakeholders argued that the current structure may no longer adequately reflect evolving political realities and expectations within the party.
They stressed that a more inclusive and flexible zoning arrangement would not only strengthen internal cohesion but also enhance the party’s competitiveness in future elections.
According to them, fairness in the distribution of key positions would help to deepen a sense of belonging among members across different regions, thereby reducing internal tensions that could undermine the party’s broader objectives.
Political observers say the call for zoning reform is not isolated, as similar sentiments have been echoed in other parts of the country, reflecting ongoing debates within the APC about how best to balance power and maintain unity ahead of future electoral cycles.
For the stakeholders in Oyo, however, the message was clear: while the peaceful congresses represent a step forward, sustaining that progress will require deliberate efforts to address underlying structural concerns.
They urged the party’s national leadership to engage widely with stakeholders across the federation, with a view to developing a zoning framework that is both equitable and adaptable.
As the meeting drew to a close, there was a shared sense that the APC in Oyo State had turned a corner—at least in terms of managing internal processes. But the stakeholders were equally emphatic that the journey toward lasting unity and stability is far from complete.
In their view, the calm that greeted the recent congresses should not breed complacency, but rather serve as a foundation upon which deeper reforms—particularly at the national level—can be built.
