By Ismail Alade Iwa, Osogbo
In what appears to be a significant step towards the healing of internal rifts within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, the Integrity Group of Nigeria (Osun Chapter), has commended the leadership of the party for its swift and decisive response to the group’s recent call for peace and unity among the party’s governorship aspirants ahead of the 2026 election.
The group’s commendation followed the stakeholders’ meeting convened on Friday, 24th October 2025, under the chairmanship of Engr. Sola Akinwumi, where all the APC governorship aspirants and critical party stakeholders were brought together to discuss reconciliation and collaboration ahead of the crucial contest.
The Integrity Group had earlier, on Monday, 20th October 2025, released a strongly worded statement titled *“OSUN 2026: APC Must Unite Or Risk Losing The Battle Ahead”* – a message that went viral across the political landscape of the state.
In that statement, the group had warned that internal discord among the aspirants could endanger the APC’s chances of reclaiming power from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming governorship election.
Speaking after the peace meeting, the Chairman of the Integrity Group, Comrade Salam Mustapha Olamilekan, expressed gratitude to the APC Agba Osun Leadership, particularly Engr. Sola Akinwumi, former Governor Chief Bisi Akande, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and Osun APC Chairman, Sooko Tajudeen lawal for heeding the call for reconciliation and prioritizing unity above personal ambition.
We are delighted that our leaders listened and acted swiftly. The convened meeting is a sign of true leadership and renewed hope.
We must remember that no aspirant’s ambition should be greater than the survival and victory of our party,” Salam Mustapha said.
The group emphasized that victory in 2026 depends solely on collective strength, mutual respect, and loyalty to the party’s structure, regardless of who eventually emerges as the flag bearer.
The APC in Osun State must not allow ego, division, or mistrust to weaken the foundation of the progressive family.
As the Yoruba saying goes: ‘Bi ina o ba tan l’aso, eje o tan l’ekanna’ — meaning, until internal fire is quenched, external stains cannot be removed. We must resolve our differences internally before facing the opposition,” the statement added.
The Integrity Group further urged all the aspirants, party leaders and members across the 30 local governments and the Area Office to embrace dialogue, avoid divisive rhetoric and strengthen the party’s unity machinery in preparation for the 2026 governorship race.
Reiterating its faith in the APC’s capacity to reclaim Osun State from what it described as “the maladministration and nepotism of the current government,” the group affirmed that it will continue to work with all the stakeholders to promote peace, discipline, and the values of true progressivism that define the APC.
Osun people are waiting for the return of responsible governance. We cannot afford another mistake. The time to unite is now,” the group concluded.
