The Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC), on Friday, May 17, 2024, received a significant number of prominent members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and thousands of their followers into the party. This influx of new members marks a significant boost for the APC as it seeks to reclaim the state in the 2026 elections.
The defectors, led by Dotun Babayemi, a former governorship aspirant, and Mr. Shuaibu Oyedokun, a former National Deputy Chairman of the PDP, were received by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former governor of Osun State, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola. Oyetola expressed confidence that the APC would emerge victorious in the 2026 elections, citing the party’s renewed strength and unity.
However, observers note that the APC’s internal divisions and conflicts remain a significant obstacle to its success. The party’s loss in the 2022 governorship election to the PDP was largely attributed to its intractable internal crisis, which led to a split in the party’s votes.
Lessons from defeat
A Repositioning Committee, established by the Osun APC to investigate the causes of its electoral defeats, identified several key issues, including poor leadership, irregular payment of salaries and pensions, and indiscipline within the party. The committee’s report also highlighted the conflict between former Governor Oyetola and his predecessor, Rauf Aregbesola, as a significant factor in the party’s loss.
Analysts agree that the conflict between Oyetola and Aregbesola, which began in 2018 over the party’s governorship ticket, remains a major hurdle for the APC. Despite a peace pact brokered by Senator Bola Tinubu and Chief Bisi Akande in August 2021, the two leaders remain divided, with each accusing the other of reneging on the agreements reached.
Takes two to tango
Experts warn that the APC’s chances of reclaiming the state in 2026 depend on its ability to resolve its internal conflicts and present a united front. As one analyst noted, “It takes two to tango. If Oyetola and Aregbesola cannot put aside their differences and work towards the party’s victory, the APC’s chances of success are slim.” Political analyst Segun Odutayo warned.
Complicated division
The APC’s internal divisions are further complicated by the presence of factions within the party. The ‘Omoluabi Caucus,’ a faction led by Aregbesola, has been at odds with Oyetola’s faction, leading to a split in the party’s votes. This internal strife largely weakened the party’s chances of winning the last elections.
However, with the APC now gradually retracing its steps, the party iis looking good to reclaim power from the ruling PDP.
“Yes, the Aregbesola factor really affected APC in the last election, but the former Governor no longer enjoys the same political power he used to wield. As you can see, he is no longer in a position of authority, either at the state or federal level, so you can see his supporters leaving in droves to seek relevance with the Oyetola camp,” Osun-based journalist Mojeed Kazeem argued..
“Oyetola’s political currency is stronger now with his place in the Federal Government, he can facilitate many things now which is rivals cannot” he added.
While the Osun APC’s efforts to reclaim the state in 2026 are commendable, it faces significant challenges, both from within and outside the party.
Just as the influx of new members is a welcome development, the APC must also focus on rebuilding its image and reputation, which has been damaged by its previous internal conflicts and electoral defeats.
The party must demonstrate a commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance to convince the voters that it is a credible alternative to the PDP in the state.
