Saraki courts Kwara APC aggrieved aspirants as party crisis deepens

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki may be positioning himself to engage with aggrieved members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, Nigeria, as political maneuvering intensifies ahead of the 2027 general elections. This potential move comes amid deepening cracks within the ruling party, fueled by accusations against Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

A coalition of disgruntled APC leaders and stakeholders, operating under the banner 'Oto ge Progressives' and formerly known as the G15 bloc, has accused Governor AbdulRazaq of undermining internal democracy. Their primary concern is the governor's alleged attempt to dictate the party's succession plan for the 2027 governorship election, a move they believe threatens the party's unity and electoral prospects.

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Unless the present arrangement is reconsidered and the widespread dissatisfaction among party members genuinely addressed, the party’s unity and electoral success can no longer be assured.

The coalition, comprising various APC leaders, aspirants, and support groups, held a press conference in Ilorin to voice their grievances. They warned that the APC could suffer significant electoral losses if the internal dissatisfaction is not addressed. Yahaya Oloriegbe, speaking for the coalition, appealed to the national leadership of the APC to intervene, stating that the party's unity and success are jeopardized by disregarding widespread discontent or endorsing arrangements lacking legitimacy among members.

Oloriegbe further alleged that the governor's actions are contrary to the consultative principles on which the APC was founded in Kwara. The emergence of the 'Oto ge Progressives' coalition signifies growing dissatisfaction among party leaders and members who feel excluded from decision-making processes and believe candidates are being predetermined. The group warned that opposition parties are poised to capitalize on the internal strife within the APC.

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Indeed, we make bold to say that, with opposition parties already positioning themselves to capitalise on the present situation, the unity and electoral future of our party cannot be secured by disregarding widespread dissatisfaction or endorsing an arrangement that lacks legitimacy among its members.