Osun APC Stakeholders Blame Oyetola for Accord Defeat, Petition Tinubu

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State have petitioned President Bola Tinubu over the party’s defeat in the August 15 governorship election, blaming former governor and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, for the loss.

The petition was signed by Professor Akin Adeyanju, coordinator of the Osun APC Stakeholders Forum, and Sola Ajayi, its secretary. They expressed regret over the party’s defeat despite what they described as Tinubu’s strong support for the APC’s campaign and electoral prospects in the state.

The stakeholders accused Oyetola of concentrating political appointments and candidate selection around his allies, relatives and faction. They alleged that the former governor ignored the advice of party elders and failed to give other stakeholders adequate involvement in decisions affecting the party.

“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,” the petition stated.

According to the group, the alleged pattern of exclusion weakened the APC’s support base across Osun’s three senatorial districts and contributed directly to the party’s poor performance at the poll. They also accused Oyetola of favouring his hometown and political faction in federal and state appointments.

The stakeholders asked Tinubu to order an independent review of the Osun APC leadership structure and its candidate-selection process. They also called for a reconciliation meeting involving Oyetola, party elders and dissatisfied members, under the supervision of the APC National Working Committee (NWC).

They further urged the President to ensure that federal appointments from Osun reflect the wider composition of the party rather than one faction. The group also proposed a fact-finding committee to examine the conduct of party primaries and concerns previously raised by APC elders.

For the party to recover, the stakeholders recommended a state congress organised by the NWC to produce a more representative executive. They also proposed a reconciliation summit bringing together factions, elders and interest groups, as well as a transparent candidate-selection process based on wider consultation.

The group said future federal appointments and elective candidacies should also reflect the interests of different senatorial districts and political groups. It argued that visible efforts to rebuild unity would be critical to restoring the APC’s fortunes in Osun State.