Kwara APC Faces Growing Pressure as Reconciliation Committee Moves to Avert Party Crisis

By Felix Ajide

ILORIN—The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State is facing mounting pressure to resolve its deepening internal crisis as the party’s reconciliation committee commenced consultations across the state amid warnings that persistent divisions could undermine its electoral fortunes in the 2027 general elections.

The reconciliation initiative coincides with growing concerns from political stakeholders following the emergence of the G15 Coalition—a bloc comprising leading governorship aspirants, serving senators, members of the National Assembly, state lawmakers, party elders, women and youth leaders—which recently staged a solidarity rally highlighting widespread discontent within the ruling party.

Adding to the calls for unity, socio-political advocacy group, Orisun Igbomina, warned that the Kwara APC was drifting towards internal implosion, cautioning that unresolved disputes could hand the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) a significant political advantage.

Speaking on the situation, the National President of Orisun Igbomina, Chief Gbenga Awoyale, described the APC as “a house on fire” and urged Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to urgently initiate an inclusive reconciliation process involving all critical stakeholders.

“The party is currently a house on fire,” Awoyale said. “Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq must understand that no one wins 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.”

Awoyale called on the governor to convene a meeting with leaders of the G15 Coalition and other party stakeholders to address lingering grievances and restore confidence within the APC.

He also advocated transparent and credible party primaries ahead of the 2027 elections, free from the imposition of candidates, while supporting calls for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to facilitate lasting peace within the Kwara chapter of the party.

The Orisun Igbomina leader further appealed to all factions to suspend confrontational rallies and embrace dialogue in the overall interest of the party.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the APC Reconciliation Committee, retired Col. AbdulWahab Ademola Lawal, announced that the committee had begun consultations with aggrieved members across the state.

Addressing journalists in Ilorin, Lawal appealed to party members to cooperate with the committee and embrace reconciliation.

“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,” he said.

Lawal maintained that despite disagreements arising from the party’s primary elections, no faction had abandoned the APC, describing the crisis as an internal family dispute that should be resolved through dialogue.

“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 party. All pay allegiance to the party. It is, therefore, a family feud, and we must resolve our differences with family love,” he said.

According to him, the committee has been mandated to engage aggrieved members, identify the underlying causes of the crisis and submit recommendations to the party’s State Executive Committee.

He disclosed that consultations would cover the three senatorial districts and involve party executives, aspirants, candidates, stakeholders and members of the G15 Coalition, both collectively and individually.
Lawal also urged party faithful to refrain from inflammatory comments capable of escalating tensions.

“Our appeal to all members is to sheath the sword and refrain from provocative utterances. This is necessary to douse tension and allow reason to prevail. Every party member must be willing to make the sacrifices required to enable the APC to retain its winning streak in Kwara State,” he said.

He commended individuals and groups that had independently initiated reconciliation efforts, saying the committee was established to complement existing peace initiatives rather than replace them.

Lawal further appealed to journalists and social media users to exercise professionalism and restraint in reporting developments surrounding the crisis.

“We come in peace and seek the cooperation of all aggrieved persons to give mediation and dialogue a chance. We also urge the media to report responsibly as we remain committed to transparency throughout this process,” he added.

Political observers believe the reconciliation process will be crucial in determining whether the APC can close ranks before preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections or whether the widening divisions will further weaken the party’s cohesion and electoral prospects.