The Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has commenced moves to take its reconciliation efforts to the grassroots ahead of the 2027 general elections, with plans to establish reconciliation committees across the state’s 18 local government areas.
Under the proposed arrangement, a nine-member reconciliation committee will be constituted in each local government, resulting in a 162-member structure tasked with addressing grievances, rebuilding trust and strengthening unity among party members.
The plan was unveiled during an interactive meeting involving members of the state APC Reconciliation Committee, local government party chairmen, council chairmen and other stakeholders in Ondo State.
Speaking on Saturday, the Chairman of the state Reconciliation Committee, Prince Biyi Poroye, said the exercise was aimed at resolving lingering disagreements and encouraging greater discipline and inclusiveness within the party.
Poroye said the initiative was not limited to preparations for the 2027 elections, stressing that the committee also wanted members to change their attitudes and rebuild confidence in one another.
“For us, reconciliation is about addressing the mindsets of party members so that people can change from their former positions to new positions, bearing in mind that there is nothing to share in losing,” he said.
The committee chairman disclosed that some members had complained about inadequate involvement in government activities, particularly empowerment programmes, saying the reconciliation process would provide an avenue to address such concerns.
He urged party leaders and political office holders to work collectively and carry members along, warning that continued internal conflicts could weaken the party.
“We are shortchanging ourselves if we keep fighting one another,” Poroye said, urging members to learn how to handle electoral setbacks without allowing them to create lasting divisions.
The Chief of Staff to the state governor, Prince Segun Omojuwa, welcomed the initiative and described Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as a champion of peace.
“I want to thank the Governor of Ondo State for believing in peace. This is what can really move our state forward,” Omojuwa said.
He urged party members and leaders to cooperate with the reconciliation committee, saying extending the process to the 18 councils would create a wider platform for resolving grievances and strengthening relationships.
The Chairman of Idanre Local Government, Smart Omotadowa, also backed the initiative, saying genuine unity would require reconciliation to reach members at the grassroots. He urged APC members to work together and support the party’s candidates in 2027.
A member of the reconciliation committee, Erelu Mudupola Martins, warned that unresolved internal grievances could affect the party’s electoral performance and urged members to close ranks.
“There is no second in any election. We can’t afford to lose any position to the opposition,” Martins said.
She said the party was targeting an improved performance in 2027, citing its presidential vote in the 2023 election as a benchmark.
“We gave Tinubu 68 per cent in 2023; we want to do more than that in 2027,” she added.