Mr Sola Ajimati, All Progressives Congress (APC) Kwara South Senatorial aspirant, has decried alleged exclusion of the party’s critical stakeholders in Kwara from decision-making processes.
Ajimati raised the concern in a letter he addressed to Kwara Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Monday in Abuja, saying there was need to address the situation.
“I write with profound respect and sincere appreciation for your leadership, vision, and continued service to Kwara and our great party, the APC.
“Your stewardship over the years has contributed meaningfully to the development trajectory of our dear state, and for this, you deserve commendation.
“As our great party looks ahead to future electoral cycles, including governorship and national elections, and in the wake of the emergence of Yakubu Danladi-Salihu as the APC governorship candidate.
“There is an increasing concern among stakeholders regarding perceived exclusion from critical party decision-making processes,” he said.
Ajimati acknowledged the strides recorded under AbdulRazaq’s leadership, saying it would require deeper unity, broader inclusion, and more deliberate consultation with all stakeholders across the party structure to sustain and build upon the gains.
He added that the decisions taken at this stage, would not only shape the immediate future of Kwara APC but would significantly define the enduring legacy of the governor’s administration.
He said it would also help in building the long-term stability of APC in the state, adding that recent political developments across Nigeria provided valuable lessons worth reflecting upon.
Citing recent political developments in Ekiti, Osun and Lagos, Ajimati said inclusion, dialogue, and consensus-building were key to long-term electoral success and party stability.
“The re-election of Gov. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State stood as a strong testament to the power of unity, inclusion, consultation, and sustained stakeholder engagement.
“His leadership approach characterised by continuous dialogue with former governors, party leaders, grassroots mobilisers, youth groups and even dissenting voice transformed political diversity into a source of strength and stability.
“In contrast, the experience of Alhaji Isiaka Oyetola, former governor of Osun, highlights the risks associated with unresolved internal disagreements, perceived exclusion, and insufficient stakeholder engagement.
“The consequences of internal fragmentation remain instructive for any political system seeking long-term stability and electoral success.
“The lesson is therefore clear: enduring political success is anchored on consultation, inclusion, and consensus-building,” Ajimati said, recalling that the experience of Akinwunmi Ambode, a former Lagos State governor offered another important lesson.
He noted that in spite of being an incumbent governor, unresolved internal grievances and widening stakeholder’s dissatisfaction within party structures ultimately led to significant opposition ahead of the 2019 Lagos State governorship election.
“This development underscores the necessity of proactive reconciliation, continuous engagement, and inclusive leadership in managing internal party affairs.
He appealed to the governor to convene a comprehensive stakeholders’ meeting and set up an independent reconciliation committee to address grievances and rebuild trust within the party in Kwara.
He said the call became more urgent in view of emerging security concerns in parts of the state, which required collective responsibility, unity of purpose, and coordinated leadership beyond partisan or factional considerations.
Ajimati said that President Bola Tinubu remained committed to consolidating the achievements of the APC nationwide.
He said Kwara, as a key political stronghold of the APC, must embody stability, inclusiveness, and strong internal cohesion.
“This is a defining moment for our party in Kwara. With timely intervention, inclusive leadership, and sincere engagement, the APC can emerge stronger, more united, and better positioned for enduring electoral success,” he said.
