Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State have submitted a petition to President Bola Tinubu, outlining the reasons behind the party’s loss to Accord in the recent governorship election.
The petition, which was signed by Professor Akin Adeyanju, Coordinator, and Sola Ajayi, Secretary, of the Osun APC Stakeholders Forum, expressed regret over the defeat, noting that it occurred despite the President’s steadfast support for the party’s success.
In the petition, the stakeholders informed President Tinubu that the former governor of the state and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, is primarily responsible for the party’s loss.
The petition stated, “We respectfully assert that the main reason for our defeat was the actions of the immediate past governor of the state and Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola.
“In our evaluation, he appointed friends, allies, and relatives to federal political positions and unilaterally selected all candidates for elective offices in the state, ignoring the advice and counsel of party elders who urged him to involve other essential stakeholders.”
The stakeholders accused the former governor of monopolizing federal and state appointments for his hometown and faction.
They further stated, “We believe this pattern of exclusion alienated the party’s base and resulted in the loss of support from vital stakeholders and communities across the three senatorial districts of the state, which directly contributed to our defeat on August 15.”
In light of these concerns, the stakeholders requested President Tinubu to:
“Initiate an immediate, independent review of the leadership structure and candidate-selection process of the Osun State chapter in preparation for future elections.
“Organize a reconciliation meeting that includes Minister Oyetola, party elders, and all dissatisfied stakeholders in the state, overseen by the National Working Committee.
“Ensure fairness in federal appointments from Osun State, guaranteeing that representation mirrors the diversity of the party’s membership rather than favoring a single faction.
“Establish a fact-finding committee to thoroughly assess the conduct of the primaries and the issues raised by party elders prior to the upcoming election cycle.
“In addition to addressing the immediate factors contributing to our loss, we believe that the party’s long-term recovery in Osun State will hinge on intentional and visible actions aimed at fostering unity.”
The stakeholders suggested a state congress, organized by the National Working Committee, to form a truly representative Osun APC executive.
Other recommendations include, “A reconciliation summit for stakeholders that unites all factions, elders, and interest groups within the state chapter.
“Implement a transparent and inclusive framework for future candidate selection that relies on extensive consultation rather than the preferences of any individual leader.
“Intentionally include federal appointments and future candidacies from various senatorial districts and interest groups in the state, avoiding concentration in a single faction.”
Osun Election: APC stakeholders petition Tinubu, blame Minister, ex-gov Oyetola for defeat