#OsunDecides2026: ‘Internal divisions cost APC victory’ - Party chieftain

An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Farouk Aliyu, attributed the party's loss in the Osun State governorship election to internal strife and resentment surrounding the selection of its candidate, Bola Oyebamiji. Aliyu stated that some party members, unhappy with Oyebamiji's nomination process, withheld their support, significantly contributing to the defeat.

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The party deployed significant resources, but it failed to maintain unity.

Aliyu made these remarks during an interview on Arise Television's The Morning Show, emphasizing that the APC's efforts, despite deploying significant resources, were undermined by a failure to maintain internal unity. He asserted that the outcome was primarily driven by internal dynamics rather than external pressures. While acknowledging some party members did support Oyebamiji, he noted that others deliberately withheld their backing or failed to mobilize their followers due to anger over the candidate's emergence.

"The party did not necessarily do anything wrong, but now we have to analyse the details of the outcome," Aliyu said, suggesting a need for a thorough examination of the election results. He also pointed to controversial remarks by Osun East senator Francis Fadahunsi, which were widely interpreted as inciting violence against supporters of the Accord Party, as another potential factor affecting the APC's performance.

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The party did not necessarily do anything wrong, but now we have to analyse the details of the outcome.

Aliyu described the election result as a wake-up call for the APC at both state and federal levels, stressing the importance of addressing internal grievances and improving performance. He commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for its effective use of technology, particularly the electronic transmission of results. Aliyu ultimately accepted the outcome, stating that the people of Osun had made their choice and that it should be respected.

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From now on, whenever you see Accord members, kill them. I authorise you to kill them. They have wives and children too. This is a federal government election. On election day, even if they come with voter cards, we won’t allow them to vote.