Osun APC must rebuild, end blame game after election defeat- chieftain

By Lateef Ibrahim

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has called on party leaders and members to abandon the blame game following the party’s defeat in the recent governorship election and begin preparations for the 2027 elections.

Oyintiloye said the party should use the setback as an opportunity to conduct an honest and comprehensive assessment of its performance rather than allowing internal disagreements to deepen.

Speaking with journalists in Osogbo on Sunday, he argued that electoral outcomes were shaped by several factors, including the popularity of candidates, grassroots mobilization, party unity, campaign strategy and voter sentiment.

“This is not the time to crucify anybody. It is a time for sober reflection, reconciliation and strategic repositioning,” he said.

He warned against making any individual a scapegoat for the party’s defeat, insisting that the APC needed a broad-based review of its performance, from polling units to the state-level party structure.

According to him, while constructive criticism remained essential to the growth of any political organisation, criticism motivated by anger, personal grievances or political vendettas could further weaken the party.

Oyintiloye stressed the urgency of rebuilding the party ahead of 2027, saying the APC could not afford to spend the period leading to the next general election fighting internal battles.

“The 2027 general election is already very close. We cannot afford to spend the next period fighting ourselves. The real work of rebuilding must begin now,” he said.

He urged APC leaders to return to the grassroots, reconnect with members and voters, listen to their concerns and develop strategies aimed at restoring public confidence in the party.

The APC chieftain described the recent defeat as a setback rather than the end of the party’s political prospects, noting that electoral fortunes could change with effective organisation and reconciliation.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Ademola Adeleke the winner of the Osun governorship election in the early hours of August 16.

Adeleke secured 511,067 votes, defeating the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Najeem Salaam, came third with 17,180 votes.

Oyintiloye maintained that the APC could turn the outcome around in 2027 if its leaders put aside internal differences and begin a coordinated process of reconciliation and strategic repositioning.