By Tunde Olajide

As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, one lesson from Nigeria’s democratic experience remains unmistakable: political parties rarely lose elections because of the strength of their opponents; they often lose because of internal divisions.

For the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, this reality has informed the ongoing reconciliation efforts aimed at healing wounds arising from the recently concluded governorship primary election. The party appears determined not to repeat mistakes that have, in the past, cost it electoral victories despite its enormous political strength.

The establishment of the APC Oyo Governorship Primaries Reconciliation Committee by the party leadership is therefore more than a routine post-primary exercise. It is a strategic intervention designed to restore confidence, rebuild trust and unite all tendencies within the party behind its governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli.

The committee has embarked on extensive consultations with aspirants, party leaders, elders and stakeholders across the state. Its assignment has not merely been to listen to complaints but to identify practical pathways for reconciliation and lasting unity.

Its engagement has reaffirmed an important democratic principle: disagreements after party primaries are neither unusual nor unhealthy. Every competitive election naturally produces winners and disappointed contestants. What distinguishes a mature political party is its ability to resolve such disagreements through dialogue, mutual respect and established institutional mechanisms.

Encouragingly, many of the aggrieved aspirants have demonstrated remarkable maturity by participating in the reconciliation process. Their willingness to engage with the…