An All Progressives Congress aspirant for Irepo/Orelope/Olorunsogo Federal Constituency in Oyo State, Abdullah Bello, on Tuesday, put away his ambitions and promised to support the party as it prepares for the 2027 general elections. This decision came after he talked about some issues in the primary process.
Bello shared this in a statement from Ibadan, the state capital. He said his choice followed a reconciliation meeting held by the APC National Chairman and the National Working Committee with around 42 aspirants from the state’s 33 local government areas.
He noted that during the meeting, the National Working Committee accepted their role in the “manifest irregularities and injustices that characterised the nomination exercise.” They also agreed that no candidate came from a fair and proper process.
“On Old Irepo Federal Constituency, I stated clearly that there was no primary election or any consensus arrangement for the Federal House of Representatives or the State House of Assembly,” Bello said.
He added that even though the NWC admitted to imposition of candidates across the 33 LGAs, the candidate forced upon his constituency “lacks the political capital and public credibility to advance our party’s ideology.” He felt this would make campaigning much harder.
Despite these worries, Bello said that after talking to stakeholders, elders, and grassroots leaders, he had decided, “as a loyal and disciplined member of the APC to put personal ambition aside for the greater good of party unity and winning elections.”
He continued, “I am now stepping down my ambition and mobilising for the party ahead of the 2027 general elections, despite irregularities in the primary process.
“This decision should not be seen as giving up or lacking conviction. My desire to serve the good people of Old Irepo Federal Constituency has never been a do-or-die matter. It is a call to service.”
The APC chieftain mentioned he was “sheathing the sword” out of respect for the National Chairman’s intervention. But he made it clear that he was doing this “without condoning the injustice.”
He urged the national leadership to restore trust among party members, especially the youths. He called for rebuilding trust and unity within the state APC.
Bello also addressed rumors about leaving the party. He said, “Let me be clear: I am not defecting from the APC. My commitment to the growth, stability, and success of the party is strong and unbroken.”
He urged his supporters and loyalists in the state to stay calm and disciplined, avoiding actions against the party.
“I understand your pain, your frustration, and the big sacrifices you made in this struggle. I honour you all. Politics is not war. Revenge only causes more harm. It does not heal,” he said.
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