Osun: APC Group Laments Defeat; 2027 Unsure If Party Fails To Reward Loyalty

A group in the All Progressives Congress,  Consolidated APC Grassroots Movement has warned the ruling party of the need to strengthen its structure and reward loyalty as the only way to win the 2027 election

The group’s leader, Agbi Stephen Omobamidele, gave the advise in a statement on the heels of loss suffered by the party during last week’s governorship election. The party’s candidate, Bola Oyebamiji suffered a defeat, as the incumbent and Accord party candidate in the election, Demola Adeleke won with a high margin of over 60,000 votes. 

Following the defeat suffered by APC, some members of the party have been lamenting as they are yet to fully come to terms on why the party was defeated despite its earlier promise to win the election. 

But, Omobamidele said this is not the period to cry over spilled milk, urging the party to restrategise for next year’s general election, by doing the right thing, including rewarding loyal members, and ensuring that the party’s structure at the grassroots is restructured for performance. 

He said elections are never won on election day, rather victory is secured  before ballots are cast, through loyalty, structure, sacrifice, and the deliberate reward of those who build the party from the ground up, noting that while the APC remains a strong national force, strength without coordination, discipline and a reward for loyalty is not enough, adding that thousands of party members who mobilised, defended and built APC structures during difficult times are often sidelined after the elections are over.  

Proximity to power, he stressed, should not be the only way to qualify for recognition and reward, calling for such “imbalance” to be “corrected” immediately to brighten the party’s chances ahead the 2027 election. 

“Every leader, from former governors to ministers, senators, and party executives, must understand that political office is not a reward for ambition, but a responsibility to build, deepen, and sustain structures,” he said.

Adding that: “A party that does not reward its builders will eventually lose its foundation.

“The 2026 Osun result shows clearly that while APC improved its vote base, our opponents expanded theirs faster. That is the real lesson.

“Let it be said clearly: APC has benefited immensely from the sacrifices of its grassroots members. They must not become invisible when recognition and responsibility are being shared.

“Osun should not breed blame. It should produce reform. We must rebuild trust, strengthen unity, reward loyalty, and restore confidence in the APC as a party that values its people.”