By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus
Prof. Oba AbdulRaheem, an elder statesman and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, is leading a group of eminent indigenes of Kwara to mobilise support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
The group, known as the Kwara APC Peace Committee, held its inaugural meeting at AbdulRaheem’s residence in Ilorin on Sept. 17, where members resolved to pursue reconciliation and strengthen the party’s internal cohesion.
The committee is committed to resolving disagreements arising from the party’s primaries in the state and promoting unity among members and stakeholders.
AbdulRaheem, a former Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, chairs the committee, which comprises prominent personalities from different professional and political backgrounds in Kwara.
Among the members is Dr Johnson Adewumi, a renowned educationist, entrepreneur and founder of Thomas Adewumi University, Oko, whose contributions to education and entrepreneurship have earned him recognition.
The committee also includes former Minister and erstwhile Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Alhaji Issa Bio Ibrahim, who brings considerable political and legislative experience to the reconciliation initiative.
Another member is Rep. AbdulGaniyu Olododo, a former Secretary to the Kwara State Government and former member of the House of Representatives, who is expected to contribute to efforts aimed at strengthening political cooperation.
Oloriewe Raheem Adedoyin, a veteran journalist and member representing Africa on the Executive Board of the International Press Institute, is also part of the committee.
Other members include former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Ezekiel Issa, and Pastor John Para, an elder statesman and member of the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council.
The committee also has Hon. James Jiya Kolo, a former Commissioner in the Federal Character Commission, among its members, further broadening its representation of experienced public figures.
Speaking in Ilorin on Saturday, AbdulRaheem said the committee was determined to serve as the conscience of APC leaders by addressing internal grievances and promoting unity within the party.
He said the group would also highlight the achievements of the administrations of President Bola Tinubu and Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as part of efforts to strengthen public confidence in the APC.
According to AbdulRaheem, the committee has already reached out to some aggrieved political leaders and influential stakeholders to encourage dialogue, resolve outstanding disagreements and establish a common front ahead of the general elections.
He said the initiative was driven by a commitment to ensuring that differences arising from the party’s primaries did not undermine its unity, electoral prospects and collective interests in Kwara.
AbdulRaheem added that the committee was passionately canvassing collective support from all stakeholders for Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi as the APC governorship candidate, alongside other candidates of the party, to strengthen its chances in the forthcoming general elections.
