Osun APC rift: Omisore camp lauds Akande’s intervention

The political landscape in Osun State has been marked by internal wrangling within the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly between Minister Adegboyega Oyetola and former deputy governor Iyiola Omisore. This rift has simmered since the December governorship primary, creating palpable tension within the party ranks. The recent intervention by elder statesman Chief Bisi Akande, a former National Chairman of the APC, to broker a peace meeting in Abuja offers a glimmer of hope for party unity.

Sources indicate that this Abuja engagement followed an earlier discussion between Omisore and leaders of the Osun APC Elders Council, where the former senator reportedly presented certain demands. The relationship between Oyetola and Omisore, which was once collaborative during the 2022 and 2023 elections, deteriorated significantly, leading to Omisore's absence from the primary and his expressed reservations about Oyetola's leadership.

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We are aware there was going to be a meeting, and as a campaign organisation within the party and an organisation peopled by patriotic party members, we identify with our principal, Senator Iyiola Omisore, and we also trust the national leader of the party, Chief Bisi Akande, for his effort to bring about peace and tranquillity that will move the party forward.

The release of photographs showing Akande, Oyetola, and Omisore in seemingly cordial exchange has generated optimism among party faithful. Jamiu Olawumi, spokesperson for the Iyiola Omisore Campaign Organisation, while awaiting formal briefing, lauded Akande's commitment to peace. However, he also voiced concern over the prolonged delay in resolving the internal crisis, stating, "For five months, we were surprised that the leadership of the party and all the parties concerned would allow the misunderstanding to fester for five months in an election year."

From our vantage point in Osun, this internal strife has been a significant distraction. While national media might focus on the broader APC narrative, for us, the stability and cohesion of the party at the state level are paramount. The intervention by Chief Akande is a welcome development, but the party must move swiftly to address the underlying issues to ensure a united front moving forward. The success of such reconciliation efforts will be critical for the APC's standing in the state.

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For five months, we were surprised that the leadership of the party and all the parties concerned would allow the misunderstanding to fester for five months in an election year. We thank Baba Akande for his resilience and commitment to bringing peace to the party.