Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, **Gboyega Oyetola**, has appealed to party members to unite, shun violence and put internal disagreements behind them as the party begins preparations for the 2027 elections.
The former Osun State governor cautioned that prolonged internal conflicts, recriminations and blame games could weaken the APC, stressing that members must focus on the future rather than dwell on past disagreements.
Oyetola, who made the appeal on Sunday while addressing APC supporters at Ileri Oluwa House, Osogbo, the Osun state capital, urged members to embrace reconciliation and work collectively to rebuild the party after its recent electoral challenges.
While aassuming the gathering that the party still had a strong future, he uured supporters not to be discouraged by its recent setbacks.
According to Oyetola, the APC must not allow disagreements among members to degenerate into violence or destroy the unity required to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 polls.
“We are here to thank you for what you have done and we want you to know that hope is not lost. Our hope is still intact. Don’t be scared. Let us not allow disagreement and chaos to come in between us,” he said.
The APC leader also addressed the issue of insults directed at him, saying he had chosen forgiveness and reconciliation rather than retaliation.
Oyetola said he could have responded differently to those who offended him but deliberately chose to move on, urging his supporters to adopt the same approach.
“If I was to take the law into my hands on how I was insulted, I wouldn’t have come here. I have already moved on and forgotten about it,” he stated.
He appealed to members to resist any temptation to retaliate against those who may have offended them, stressing that such matters should be left to God.
Oyetola also warned against using the party’s recent electoral setback as an opportunity for recrimination, saying blaming individuals would not reverse the outcome.
“It has happened like that and nothing can be changed, and we shouldn’t blame anyone for the loss. Let everyone think about what he or she has done, whether it is right or wrong. Let our conscience judge,” he said.
He urged members to examine their individual contributions to the party’s challenges and work towards correcting identified weaknesses rather than engaging in accusations.
The former governor expressed optimism about the APC’s grassroots strength, pointing to the large turnout of supporters at the gathering as evidence that the party still enjoys significant loyalty among its members.
He particularly appealed to those involved in internal disputes to sheathe their swords and embrace peace, warning that violence and counter-violence could further damage the party.
“Let us not allow this party to always be APC fighting themselves. Those ones fighting, please don’t fight. I am not fighting at all.
“When you don’t fight those doing the violence, it would be exposed,” Oyetola said.
His comments came amid efforts by the Osun APC leadership to strengthen the party’s internal cohesion and reposition its structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Also speaking at the gathering, the APC governorship candidate, **Bola Oyebamiji**, commended party supporters for their commitment and expressed confidence in Oyetola’s leadership.
Oyebamiji reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC, assuring members that he remained committed to working for the success of the party despite its recent challenges.
“We will remain committed to the party and continue to work tirelessly for the success of the APC. We will not be discouraged, and we will not give up,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the APC could overcome its current difficulties and return to victory with the collective support, prayers and commitment of its members.
“We believe that victory is still possible, and with your support, prayers and commitment, we will achieve our goal,” Oyebamiji added.
In a show of confidence in his leadership, party members at the gathering also endorsed Oyetola to continue as leader of the APC in Osun State.
The endorsement underscored the gathering’s emphasis on unity, reconciliation and the need to strengthen the party’s structures as the APC looks ahead to the 2027 elections.