Oyo 2027: Yilwatda Apologises to Aggrieved Oyo APC Members, Says ‘We Take Responsibility’

Yilwatda made the appeal on Thursday in Ibadan during the launch of the APC Campaign Office, where he acknowledged the concerns of members who felt excluded, disadvantaged or otherwise aggrieved during the party’s internal processes.

The APC national chairman said the National Working Committee (NWC) was ready to accept responsibility for any shortcomings associated with the conduct of the primaries, explaining that the committees that conducted the exercises were constituted by the national leadership and acted on its behalf.

He added: “If anybody is hurt, if anybody is injured, if anybody is prevented or excluded in any form or the other, we take responsibility. On TV, before Nigerians, we take responsibility of all that has happened. I appeal to everybody that we are sorry.”

Yilwatda urged members across polling units, wards and local government areas to regard the disagreements as an internal family matter, stressing that the party’s larger interest must take precedence over individual differences.

He called on all stakeholders to close ranks, rebuild trust and work together to position the APC for a strong showing in the 2027 elections.

The national chairman also underscored the strategic importance of Oyo State to the progressive movement, describing the state as too significant to be left out of the APC’s broader political calculations.

According to him, Oyo’s large voting population, historical significance and contribution to the development of major institutions in Nigeria make it an important state for the progressive party.

He maintained that Oyo deserves leadership committed to progressive governance, sustainable development and the welfare of its people, assuring stakeholders that the national leadership would continue to give the state the attention it deserves.

Speaking at the event, the APC governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator (Dr.) Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, commended Yilwatda for responding promptly to the concerns of stakeholders and fulfilling his commitment to engage with the party’s leadership and governorship aspirants.

Alli expressed appreciation to the national chairman for accepting the invitation to meet with stakeholders, describing the engagement as an important step towards strengthening unity and resolving internal differences within the Oyo APC.

“We cannot thank you enough for what you have come to do. What you have achieved successfully in two days, we have not been able to accomplish,” Alli said.

The governorship candidate assured the national leadership that the Oyo APC would continue to work closely with the NWC to consolidate the reconciliation process, strengthen the party’s structures and mobilise members ahead of the 2027 elections.

The renewed push for reconciliation, coming alongside the launch of the APC campaign office, signals the party’s determination to heal internal divisions, restore confidence among its members and build a united political structure capable of challenging for victory in Oyo State in 2027.