By Comrade James Onifade
In a recent viral video, Hon. Lawal Azeez Olayemi, a prominent APC chieftain and former Osun State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, did not mince words. Describing the current state of affairs in the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as “an abomination,” Olayemi’s outburst has ignited fresh conversations about the party’s cohesion—or lack thereof—ahead of the crucial 2026 governorship election.
Far from being an isolated rant by a disgruntled individual, Olayemi’s statement appears to articulate the frustrations of thousands of party faithful who feel sidelined, ignored, or shortchanged by the internal dynamics playing out within the Osun APC.
Hon. Olayemi, who has held significant positions in the party and state government, is no stranger to Osun politics. His background includes a deputy governorship candidacy in the past and active involvement in youth mobilization and party affairs.
His strong criticism in the recent interview signals that long-simmering grievances have reached a boiling point.
The Osun APC has been grappling with visible internal tensions for months. Reports highlight factional alignments, allegations of imposition in candidate selection, disputes over delegate lists, disqualifications of aspirants, and questions about genuine reconciliation efforts. These issues have manifested in public protests, court cases (including actions involving figures like Senator Iyiola Omisore), suspensions of members, and public criticisms from within the ranks.
Olayemi’s description of the situation as an “abomination” likely touches on issues such as lack of internal democracy, favoritism, exclusion of key stakeholders, and a perceived disconnect between party leadership and the grassroots.
These are not abstract concerns; they directly impact the party’s ability to present a united front against the ruling PDP and Governor Ademola Adeleke in 2026.
Not Just One Voice: A Widespread Sentiment
What makes Olayemi’s intervention particularly significant is that it resonates with a broader cross-section of the party. Multiple reports point to:
• Grassroots discontent: Many ordinary members and local leaders feel the party has failed to address their aspirations and reward loyalty.
• Factional rifts: Long-standing divides, sometimes linked to influences from different political godfathers or blocs within the APC, continue to undermine unity.
• Primary-related grievances: Allegations of imposition, cheating, and lack of transparency in candidate selection processes have left several aspirants and their supporters alienated.
• Youth and stakeholder exclusion: Given Olayemi’s background in youth affairs, his comments may also reflect frustrations over inadequate youth inclusion and empowerment within the party structure.
This is not a lone chieftain speaking; it mirrors sentiments expressed in various forms by other members, including public figures who have either openly criticized the party’s direction or quietly withdrawn active participation. The recurring theme in recent analyses is that the Osun APC risks entering the 2026 election battle fractured, which could prove fatal against a more organized opposition.
The timing of this outburst could not be more critical. With the governorship election scheduled for August 2026, the APC needs maximum cohesion to mount a serious challenge to reclaim power. Persistent internal fractures risk:
1. Voter apathy among traditional APC supporters who feel unrepresented.
2. Defections or quiet sabotage by aggrieved members.
3. Weakened campaign machinery due to divided resources and attention.
4. Public perception damage, portraying the party as one more interested in internal power struggles than good governance.
For the party to recover, genuine reconciliation efforts beyond superficial “papering over the cracks” are essential.
This would require addressing root causes: ensuring fairness in primaries, respecting internal democratic processes, accommodating diverse interests, and reconnecting with the grassroots.
Hon. Lawal Azeez Olayemi’s blunt assessment serves as a wake-up call. Whether the Osun APC leadership heeds this voice and the thousands it represents will likely determine the party’s fortunes in the coming electoral cycle. In politics, especially in a competitive state like Osun, ignoring internal dissent is rarely a winning strategy.
As the race intensifies, all eyes remain on how the APC navigates these self-inflicted challenges while attempting to position itself as the better alternative for Osun people.
Signed:
Comrade James Onifade
Advocate for Good Governance and A Better Judicial System
