Politics is a game of interests, ambitions, negotiations and, above all, destiny. It is a terrain where victory does not always go to everyone at every turn and where yesterday’s aspirant can become tomorrow’s kingmaker.
For members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State who are currently aggrieved over one issue or another, this is the time to pause, reflect and ask a fundamental question: What do we really want for our party, our state and our country?
For me, the answer is clear. We want a victorious APC. We want the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We want the emergence of Senator (Dr) Sharafadeen Alli as the next Governor of Oyo State. We want victory for every other APC candidate contesting elective positions. And we cannot achieve these objectives by weakening ourselves, fighting one another or becoming willing tools in the hands of those whose only interest is to keep the APC divided.
Let us be honest with ourselves. In politics, things cannot go the way of everybody, every time. There will be moments when an individual wins and another person loses. There will be decisions that some people will applaud and others will question. There will be disappointments, grievances and disagreements. But disagreement should not automatically become destruction, while disappointment should not become a licence for anti-party activities.
This is where the God factor becomes extremely important.
We must never become so consumed by political ambition that we forget that every political position is ultimately subject to destiny. Those who have emerged today have a date with their destinies. Their success or failure cannot be determined entirely by the calculations of their supporters or opponents. God remains the ultimate decider.
Therefore, before any aggrieved member joins an anti-party train, let us ask ourselves a simple question: What if, despite everything we do to pull down those who emerged, they eventually overcome and win?
How would we feel if the people we worked tirelessly against eventually triumph? How would history remember us? More importantly, what would be our contribution to that victory?
Our contributions to every victory must count before victory, not after it.
It is easy to return to the party after an election has been won and begin negotiating for recognition, appointments and relevance. But the real test of loyalty is what we do when the party is struggling, when emotions are high and when personal interests appear threatened.
The reconciliation efforts within the APC therefore provide an important opportunity for everyone to rethink. It is an opportunity to appraise what has happened, express legitimate grievances, listen to one another, restate our commitment to the party and agree on a common pathway to victory.
Reconciliation does not mean that anybody should abandon his principles. It means recognising that there are interests greater than individual ambition.
The question before us should no longer be about who the gladiators are. It should be about what we can achieve together.
The APC must look beyond personalities and temporary disagreements, and focus on the bigger picture. We must build a formidable political machine capable of securing victory for President Bola Tinubu in 2027 and delivering Oyo State to Senator (Dr) Sharafadeen Alli, alongside all other APC candidates.
President Tinubu’s return to office is important to the continuity of the reforms and programmes of his administration. Those of us who believe in the APC must therefore ensure that internal disagreements do not become ammunition for those determined to stop the party at the polls.
The same commitment must be demonstrated in Oyo State.
If we genuinely desire a change of government, then we must understand that victory will not come through bitterness, factionalism or political sabotage. It will come through unity, organisation, sacrifice and a shared commitment to the APC candidate, Senator (Dr) Sharafadeen Alli.
This is not the time to ask who will receive the biggest political reward. It is time to ask what each of us can contribute to victory.
Let us also understand that political relevance is not exhausted by one contest. Someone who does not get what he wants today may become indispensable tomorrow. Political doors that appear closed today may open tomorrow. Burning the entire political house because one’s immediate expectation was not met is neither wisdom nor patriotism.
We must therefore be circumspect.
Oyo State deserves a government that puts the people first. It deserves leadership that is responsive, compassionate, accountable and focused on development. If we genuinely believe that the present administration has failed the people, then our responsibility is to unite and present a credible alternative, not to destroy the vehicle through which that alternative can emerge.
The APC must therefore forge a common front to defeat what I consider the wasteful, arrogant and insensitive administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, and the continuation of all these through an inexperience proxy in Bimbo Adekanmbi. The state’s political future cannot be sacrificed on the altar of personal grievances or factional interests.
Those who seek the APC’s victory must work for it. Those who believe in President Tinubu must campaign for him. Those who desire a new direction in Oyo State must support Senator (Dr) Sharafadeen Alli and every APC candidate deserves the collective support of party members.
Let us forgive where necessary. Let us reconcile where possible. Let us talk to one another. Let us put down our swords and pick up the banner of unity.
The APC in Oyo State has a historic opportunity before it. We must not squander it through internal bitterness.
Let us rekindle our hope. Let us embrace reconciliation. Let us support President Bola Tinubu. Let us rally behind Senator (Dr) Sharafadeen Alli and all APC candidates. Let us put the party first.
The road to victory begins with unity, and unity begins with every one of us making the right choice.
The time to reconcile is now. The time to unite is now. The time to work for victory is now.
APC must win and every genuine member of the party must play a part in that victory.
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