From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Fresh concerns over deepening cracks in the Kwara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), have triggered renewed calls for reconciliation, with stakeholders warning that the party risks losing its political dominance if aggrieved members are not united before the 2027 general elections.
The warning comes as the party’s Reconciliation Committee begins consultations to restore peace among leaders and members.
Orisun Igbomina, a socio-cultural and political advocacy group, described the crisis as a “serious threat” to the ruling party’s future in the state.
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The group said the emergence of the G15 Coalition reflects deep-seated dissatisfaction within the APC. The coalition includes governorship aspirants, serving senators, National Assembly members, state lawmakers, party elders, women leaders, and youth groups.
According to Orisun Igbomina, the coalition’s recent solidarity rally shows that internal disagreements have spread from the elite to the grassroots, making reconciliation urgent.
National President of the group, Chief Gbenga Awoyale, warned that continued infighting could give the opposition Peoples Democratic Party an advantage. He said the fallout could include loss of the governorship, reduced legislative seats, and diminished political influence.
Awoyale urged Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to initiate sincere dialogue with the G15 Coalition and other aggrieved stakeholders, stressing that the party’s survival depends on inclusive leadership.
“Governor AbdulRazaq must understand that he cannot win an election in isolation. He needs the support of every stakeholder. The time for pride is over; the time for statesmanship is now. We must choose the path of unity and victory over the path of implosion and defeat,” he said.
Orisun Igbomina also called for transparent primary elections ahead of 2027, an end to imposition of candidates, and broader consultations among party leaders. The group appealed to President Bola Tinubu, to support efforts to restore lasting peace in Kwara APC.
Meanwhile, the party’s Reconciliation Committee has begun peace moves across the state, urging members to avoid inflammatory comments that could worsen the crisis.
Speaking in Ilorin, Chairman of the committee, retired Col. AbdulWahab Ademola Lawal, described the disagreements as a “family affair” that should be resolved through dialogue rather than public confrontation.
“We appeal to all aggrieved members to open their hearts and minds for a warm and welcoming reception with a view to finding lasting solutions to this family predicament,” Lawal said.
He expressed confidence that the committee would restore harmony, noting that no faction has abandoned the party.
“We are all one family. We have watched and listened to all contending positions as they unfold publicly. No party to this misunderstanding has jettisoned the APC. All pay allegiance to the party. It is thus a family feud and we must all resolve issues with family love,” he added.
Lawal said the committee has commenced consultations across Kwara’s three senatorial districts and will engage party executives, aspirants, elected officials, stakeholders, and members of the G15 Coalition both collectively and individually.
He explained that the committee will identify the causes of the crisis, mediate among aggrieved parties, and submit recommendations to the state executive committee to facilitate reconciliation and reintegration.
He urged members to suspend hostile rhetoric while mediation continues.
“Our appeal to all our members is to sheath the sword and refrain from provocative utterances. This is necessary to douse tension and allow good reasoning prevail. All of us as party members must be ready to make sacrifices necessary to enable APC retain its winning streak in Kwara State,” he said.
Lawal commended individuals and groups that have independently initiated peace efforts, assuring that the committee would collaborate with genuine initiatives rather than replace them.
He also appealed to journalists and social media users to report responsibly, warning that sensationalism could undermine reconciliation efforts.
Political observers say the coming weeks will determine whether the reconciliation process can bridge the divisions or if the APC will head into 2027 with unresolved battles that could reshape Kwara’s political landscape.
