President Bola Tinubu summoned 76 All Progressives Congress leaders from Osun State to Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, to address rising tensions within the party before the August 15 governorship election.
This late-night meeting was prompted by a report from National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, which highlighted dissatisfaction among several APC leaders in Osun, who felt excluded from party activities and the ongoing campaign.
Tinubu urged unity among the leaders to ensure that the party’s candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, wins the election. The leaders traveled to Abuja on chartered flights provided from Ibadan, with some others coming from Lagos. Notable attendees included former House of Representatives Speaker Olubunmi Etteh and former state House of Assembly speakers Mojeed Alabi, Adejare Bello, and Wale Afolabi.
Ajibola Basiru, the National Secretary of the APC, was tasked with organizing and coordinating the leaders for the meeting.
One attendee from Boluwaduro Local Government Area confirmed that Ribadu’s report drove Tinubu to convene the gathering. The insider revealed that many APC leaders were disgruntled over being left out of party affairs, a situation perceived as threatening the party’s success in upcoming elections.
During the meeting, participants openly expressed their grievances, particularly discontent over federal appointments largely favoring members of the IleriOluwa camp led by Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola.
They communicated their concerns to Tinubu, who reassured them of his understanding and urged unity to prevent further losses for the party.
Tinubu acknowledged past electoral shortcomings and conveyed disappointment in some leaders, emphasizing that despite their setbacks, he appointed Oyetola as a minister. He encouraged the leaders to work collaboratively to secure victory in the forthcoming election.
The meeting was viewed as productive, with attendees appreciating how Tinubu addressed their concerns. Nevertheless, there were lingering doubts about inclusive governance if the party triumphs. Tinubu assured them that opportunities for broader inclusion within federal appointments exist and encouraged unity to ensure success in Osun.
