Osun APC appeals for calm after primaries
By Ismail Azeez
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has appealed to its members and supporters to remain calm and united following the successful conduct of its House of Representatives primary elections held across the state.
In a statement signed on Sunday by the Osun State APC Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, the party congratulated the victorious candidates, other aspirants, party members, and their numerous supporters for participating peacefully in the exercise.
Lawal described elections as a constitutional competition for interests and opportunities, noting that since any contest is an exercise where only one aspirant can emerge as the first among equals, a certain level of anxiety is normal during election periods worldwide.
The chairman commended the sportsmanship displayed by the aspirants who did not emerge victorious.
He urged them to take solace in the fact that an election, much like an examination, is not always the definitive measure of a candidate’s superiority over their peers.
Lawal emphasized that in any contest, it is simply mandatory that a winner must emerge, which is why successful candidates have now taken the lead.
The party leadership reminded the victorious candidates of the need to use their success as a potent political tool to foster unity and consolidate the party’s strength.
Lawal stressed that this internal cohesion is vital in preparation for the major elections ahead, where the collective effort of all stakeholders will be required to ensure total victory for the party during the general elections.
Reflecting on some of the friction witnessed prior to the exercise, Lawal noted that having observed negative comments from some party members before the events that culminated in Saturday’s successful primaries, it is expedient to remind all members never to lose sight of party supremacy in all their endeavors.
He stated that there is no winner and no vanquished in these primaries, as the APC and the entire people of the state are the ultimate beneficiaries of the peaceful process.
The chairman also directed a strong appeal to both the candidates and the runners-up, stating that it is imperative for them to caution their social media supporters to desist from writing and publishing offensive statements, comments, or messages.
He warned that such behavior is capable of causing acrimony, schism, disunity, and crisis within the party, reminding them that the APC possesses established constitutional mechanisms to address any grievances frontally.
The statement concluded with an expression of gratitude to party leaders at all levels, the state executive committee, and the numerous supporters who sacrificed their comfort, time, and resources to ensure the successful holding of the primary elections across the state.
Lawal welcomed all members back to the political trenches, emphasizing that it is now a collective task for everyone to contribute their quota toward the success of the party’s governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), in the forthcoming August 15, 2026, gubernatorial election.