The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has cautioned its members against blaming party leaders for the outcome of the August 15 governorship election.

Osun APC also urged stakeholders to focus on rebuilding the party ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The party made the position known in a statement signed by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, on Friday.

The warning is coming after the declaration of Accord candidate Ademola Adeleke as winner of the governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC,

The Osun APC said it had observed sponsored newspaper articles and recorded video messages circulating on social and traditional media, accusing some of its leaders of being responsible for the party’s defeat at the poll.

According to the statement, such campaigns were being promoted by faceless organisations.

“We warn that the blame game would not help the party overcome its present challenges or prepare effectively for the forthcoming presidential election.

“At this stage in the political life of our party, such blame game of any of our leaders or members either directly or by proxy is not what is needed to put the party back on the right track,” the statement said.

The party acknowledged the disappointment of members and supporters who worked for its governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, following the election result declared by INEC.

“However, it is worrisome that some individuals had allegedly resorted to attacking party leaders who had contributed financial resources, time and advice towards sustaining the organisation,” the statement added.

The party alleged that some individuals who worked against its interests during the election were now attempting to promote internal divisions through attacks on its leaders.

“It is particularly worrisome and nauseating to note that the blame game ploy has been oozing out, by proxy, from the tendencies of those who, information confirmed, glaringly worked against our party in favour of Governor Ademola Adeleke,” it said.

The Osun APC alleged that such individuals had engaged in acts of sabotage during the August 15 governorship election and were subsequently attempting to deepen the crisis within the party.

The party said its internal assessment had indicated that some entities that contributed to its electoral loss were now allegedly working to undermine the APC at different levels across Osun State.

It urged members genuinely committed to the party’s progress to concentrate on finding solutions that would strengthen its structures and improve its prospects ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The APC commended members and supporters who campaigned for Oyebamiji, saying their efforts should not be disregarded, while urging stakeholders to work towards the party’s future rather than engage in internal attacks.

“We pray that the efforts of our members and supporters shall not be in vain,” the statement added.

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State have submitted a petition to President Bola Tinubu, outlining the reasons behind the party’s loss to Accord in the recent governorship election.

The petition, which was signed by Professor Akin Adeyanju, Coordinator, and Sola Ajayi, Secretary, of the Osun APC Stakeholders Forum, expressed regret over the defeat, noting that it occurred despite the President’s steadfast support for the party’s success.

In the petition, the stakeholders informed President Tinubu that the former governor of the state and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, is primarily responsible for the party’s loss.

The petition stated, “We respectfully assert that the main reason for our defeat was the actions of the immediate past governor of the state and Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola.

“In our evaluation, he appointed friends, allies, and relatives to federal political positions and unilaterally selected all candidates for elective offices in the state, ignoring the advice and counsel of party elders who urged him to involve other essential stakeholders.”

The stakeholders accused the former governor of monopolizing federal and state appointments for his hometown and faction.

They further stated, “We believe this pattern of exclusion alienated the party’s base and resulted in the loss of support from vital stakeholders and communities across the three senatorial districts of the state, which directly contributed to our defeat on August 15.”

In light of these concerns, the stakeholders requested President Tinubu to:

“Initiate an immediate, independent review of the leadership structure and candidate-selection process of the Osun State chapter in preparation for future elections.

“Organize a reconciliation meeting that includes Minister Oyetola, party elders, and all dissatisfied stakeholders in the state, overseen by the National Working Committee.

“Ensure fairness in federal appointments from Osun State, guaranteeing that representation mirrors the diversity of the party’s membership rather than favoring a single faction.

“Establish a fact-finding committee to thoroughly assess the conduct of the primaries and the issues raised by party elders prior to the upcoming election cycle.

“In addition to addressing the immediate factors contributing to our loss, we believe that the party’s long-term recovery in Osun State will hinge on intentional and visible actions aimed at fostering unity.”

The stakeholders suggested a state congress, organized by the National Working Committee, to form a truly representative Osun APC executive.

Other recommendations include, “A reconciliation summit for stakeholders that unites all factions, elders, and interest groups within the state chapter.

“Implement a transparent and inclusive framework for future candidate selection that relies on extensive consultation rather than the preferences of any individual leader.

“Intentionally include federal appointments and future candidacies from various senatorial districts and interest groups in the state, avoiding concentration in a single faction.”

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has declared that the 2027 presidential election has already been concluded, insisting that nobody can stop President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.

Wike made the claim while addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday.

The former Rivers State governor also mocked a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Dele Momodu, over his efforts to woo Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, into the opposition party.

According to Wike, “This election has been concluded and there is nothing anyone can do about it. I don’t know where Dele Momodu will be now.

“Every time, you will see him on TV saying, ‘I was born in Ife,’ thinking that would make Adeleke come to the ADC side.”

Wike’s comments come amid allegations in some quarters that the outcome of the 2027 general elections has already been decided in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.