Ondo APC Crisis: Can reconciliation team restore unity ahead of 2027?

Within the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a leadership-led reconciliation team has been established in an attempt to mend divisions following the July 30 National Assembly primaries. The 10-member committee, headed by Biyi Poroye, Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), was convened to address grievances stemming from the contested elections.

Poroye highlighted that the party's post-primary disputes are an inherent part of democratic processes, and the party's existing mechanisms are sufficient for conflict resolution. The committee's objectives include consultations with affected stakeholders, including the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, and four House of Representatives aspirants whose candidacies were impacted by the name substitution controversy.

The committee has already begun meeting with these aspirants, emphasizing its commitment to ensuring that all members feel valued and included within the party. Parallel efforts led by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa involve convening party leaders and members of his Advisory Council (GAC) to strategize on internal cohesion. However, these reconciliation endeavors have faced criticism from the Mandate Elders Forum, a political pressure group that questioned the committee's limited consultation with critical party elders before its formation.

The forum's leader, Demola Ijabiyi, argued that the party's true ownership precedes and transcends its current leadership, and genuine reconciliation demands personal engagement with stakeholders. Despite these challenges, the committee believes that offering aggrieved aspirants political appointments, government roles, and increased party involvement will foster their commitment to the party.

While the committee's achievements thus far are primarily focused on stakeholder engagements, the ultimate success will be measured by the withdrawal of court cases, restored party loyalty, and a unified stance heading into the 2027 elections. At present, the reconciliation process remains ongoing, and the coming months will determine whether the Ondo APC can overcome its internal divisions ahead of the national polls.