The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has warned party members against complacency ahead of the Aug. 15 governorship election in Osun State, insisting that victory can only be achieved through hard work, unity and reconciliation.
Basiru gave the warning while meeting with former Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) officials at his residence in Osogbo.
The APC scribe stressed that the party must remain focused and committed at all levels if it hopes to reclaim power in the state.
“I do not believe in automatic victory. There is nothing like that in politics.
“We must work in every ward and polling unit, and we must reach out to those who are aggrieved,” he said.
Basiru urged APC stakeholders to put the party’s collective interest above personal ambitions and concentrate on securing victory for the governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.
According to him, winning the governorship election should remain the primary objective of all party members, including those seeking legislative positions.
“Let me state clearly: if we fail to secure victory for Oyebamiji on Aug. 15, Senate and House of Representatives tickets on the APC platform will be meaningless,” he said.
The APC National Secretary also used the occasion to distance the party from individuals making derogatory remarks about civil servants in the state.
He described civil servants as important stakeholders in Osun’s political and developmental process and maintained that the APC would never support comments that undermine their dignity.
“Those who go on radio to challenge workers over their numerical strength in Osun are not speaking for the APC.
“The party did not send them, and they do not represent our position in any way.
“Civil servants are enlightened people. They are respected in their communities, and people listen to them because they understand governance and leadership.
“I have enormous respect for them, and nobody has the authority to insult them in the name of our party,” he said.
Basiru appealed to civil servants not to hold the APC responsible for comments made by individuals acting in their personal capacity.
“I urge our civil servants not to use their influence against the APC because of careless statements from some individuals.
“Those comments are personal opinions and not the official position of our party,” he said.
He concluded by calling for greater unity within the APC, urging members to avoid internal divisions and work together to ensure the party’s success in the forthcoming governorship election.
