Following the outcome of last Saturday’s by-election in the Ibadan North Federal Constituency of Oyo State, leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state have met to deliberate on ways to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general election.
The strategic meeting of key stakeholders was hosted by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications and former Minister of Youth and Sports, Chief Sunday Dare, at his residence in Ibadan, reports Nigerian Tribune.
APC chieftains in attendance included a former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Chief Akin Onigbinde, SAN; Chief Wale Ohu, Co-Chair of the APC Peace Advocate; and Honourable Afeez Repete.
The stakeholders particularly met to review the outcome of the by-election as it affected the APC and to re-strategise ahead of the 2027 general election.
The August poll is perceived by some observers as a litmus test for the party’s preparedness for major political contests.
Other observers believe the meeting, regarded as the first in a series of strategic consultations, could reposition the APC as a formidable opposition against the dominance of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
Dare used the opportunity of the meeting to restate his confidence in the future of the APC in the state, noting that the loss of the election was a reminder of the work that lies ahead.
“As a proud son of Oyo State, I strongly believe that the APC has a bright future. The Ibadan North by-election result is a wake-up call, and we are already taking steps to reposition the party.
“Our structures are being realigned, and efforts are ongoing to bring everyone on board as we march toward 2027,” Dare stated.
Similarly, Chief Onigbinde expressed confidence that the APC would bounce back stronger if party members embraced unity and discipline.
“The APC is working tirelessly to correct lapses and build a stronger platform. I am confident that the party will be victorious in 2027.
“I urge our members who are dissatisfied with the by-election outcome to remain hopeful, because things will soon take the right shape,” he said.
On his part, Chief Ohu emphasised the importance of peace and reconciliation within the party.
“The Ibadan North by-election has shown us that we still have a lot of work to do. But this is not the time for disunity. The APC must remain peaceful and united to secure greater results in future elections. We are putting the house in order,” Ohu said.
Sources at the parley revealed that the leaders also discussed broader strategies for strengthening the APC across all zones in the state.
Grassroots mobilisation, reconciliation of aggrieved members, and strengthening of party structures ahead of the 2027 elections were said to be at the heart of deliberations, the sources added.
