APC’s Reconciliation Move in Ekiti Raises Fresh Concerns

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has inaugurated a Reconciliation Committee chaired by former Governor Engr. Segun Oni, a move that has sparked more questions than optimism among party members.

Observers note that the choice of Oni is puzzling, given his own unresolved grievances with the party. During the last primaries, Oni was reportedly left waiting for hours without any electoral officials showing up, leading many to wonder how a figure still needing reconciliation himself can lead such a process.

Beyond the committee’s composition, deeper cracks are emerging within the party. Sources indicate that a small but influential clique within the APC has been making inflammatory remarks, including taunts such as, “If you don’t like how we run the APC, join another party,” and “Go and test your popularity elsewhere.” These statements, widely attributed to party figures in Efon and Irepodun-Ifelodun local government areas, are further alienating aggrieved members.

Despite the party’s public posture that all is well, ground reports suggest widespread frustration and anger, particularly following the recently concluded gubernatorial, National Assembly, and State Assembly primaries, which were marred by allegations of irregularities.

In several wards, party executives including ward chairmen, women leaders, and youth leaders have been unilaterally suspended by individuals accused of wielding power arbitrarily. More troubling, there are confirmed instances of harassment and victimisation of members who supported aspirants not backed by the government or the party structure.

The situation appears most severe in Ifedara Local Council Development Area, where some elected and appointed local government officials, including Supervisory Councillors and Special Advisers, have reportedly had their salaries and allowances suspended. Their only offence, according to insiders, was backing a different aspirant within the same party.

In addition, some members have been removed from party registers across multiple wards for similar reasons. There are also unconfirmed reports that severance allowances of former councillors have been withheld for supporting non-establishment aspirants during the primaries.

Political analysts say any reconciliation process that fails to address these fundamental issues would be superficial at best. As for the committee chairman himself, critics argue that Engr. Segun Oni’s own standing within the party remains unresolved, raising doubts about his ability to lead a credible mediation effort.

The coming weeks will likely test whether the APC leadership in Ekiti is genuinely committed to healing internal wounds or merely going through the motions.