By Femi Aremu For every political party, the period immediately after a keenly contested primary election is often a defining moment. It is a time when leaders and aspirants are expected to subordinate personal interests to the collective goal of winning the general election. Unfortunately, the recent protest by the so-called aggrieved governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State points in the opposite direction. A careful look at the protest reveals that it is less about protecting democracy and more about advancing the personal ambition of a particular aspirant who has enjoyed enormous goodwill and opportunities within the APC. Few politicians in Oyo State have been as privileged. He was appointed Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and, more recently, served as a minister under the APC administration—appointments many loyal party members could only dream of despite remaining steadfast through difficult times. It is therefore surprising that rather than accepting the outcome of a transparent primary, he has chosen a path capable of deepening divisions within the party. History should not be forgotten so quickly.In 2019, the same aspirant emerged as the APC governorship candidate despite stiff opposition from more than ten other aspirants, many of whom were equally qualified and had invested heavily in the party. Those aspirants accepted the party’s decision in the overall interest of the APC. They did not resort to public protests capable of portraying the party as fractured. Politics cannot always produce a favourable outcome for one individual. Democracy is about competition, and every contest produces both winners and losers. Those who celebrate victory must also learn to accept defeat with dignity. To do otherwise is to undermine the very democratic principles they claim to defend. More importantly, the aspirant’s political history raises legitimate questions about his commitment to collective party interest.When circumstances did not favour him in 2023, he left the APC. Such actions hardly portray the character of a committed team player. Political parties thrive on loyalty, consistency and sacrifice, not on convenience. The APC in Oyo State has now spoken through its members, Sarafadeen Alli has emerged as the party’s flag bearer. Whether everyone agrees with the outcome is no longer the issue. The responsibility of every loyal member is to close ranks, support the candidate and focus on the larger objective of returning the APC to power in Oyo State. Encouraging protests and creating public spectacles after a primary election only strengthens the opposition and weakens the confidence of party supporters. Internal disagreements should be resolved through established party mechanisms rather than through actions that project disunity. The stakes are simply too high. The APC cannot afford another four years—or worse, eight years—outside government in Oyo State. Remaining in opposition carries enormous political and organisational costs. It also denies thousands of loyal party members, who stood by the APC through difficult periods, the opportunity to contribute to governance and benefit from the dividends of their sacrifices. This is precisely why party loyalty should matter. Those who remained with the APC through its most challenging moments deserve consideration and respect. Their commitment should not be overshadowed by the ambitions of individuals who have repeatedly placed personal aspirations above party cohesion. At this critical juncture, the choice before APC leaders and members is clear. They can either continue to dwell on the outcome of the primary or unite behind the party’s candidate and prepare for the task ahead. History has repeatedly shown that divided parties rarely win elections. The time for protest has passed. The time for reconciliation, unity and purposeful mobilisation has begun. Personal disappointment must never be allowed to destroy the collective dream of reclaiming Oyo State for the APC. That dream is bigger than any individual ambition, and it deserves the commitment of every true party faithful.
