APPEAL FOR UNITY AHEAD OF THE OGUN WEST APC SENATORIAL PRIMARY ELECTION

 APPEAL FOR UNITY AHEAD OF THE OGUN WEST APC SENATORIAL PRIMARY ELECTION 

As members of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), prepare for the Ogun West Senatorial primary election scheduled for Monday, May 18, I consider it both a duty and a moral responsibility to passionately appeal to every party faithful, aspirant, supporter and stakeholder across our senatorial district to embrace peace, unity and political maturity throughout this democratic exercise.

Politics should never turn brothers into enemies. Elections come and go, but relationships, party structures and the future of our people remain. In Yoruba land, our elders say that “when brothers fight themselves openly, strangers inherit their father’s property.” This timeless proverb reminds us that division within a political family only strengthens opponents waiting patiently to benefit from internal misunderstandings and disharmony. We must never allow that to happen in Ado-Odo/Ota and Ogun West.

The APC in Ogun West is one united political family built on sacrifice, loyalty, discipline and a collective vision for development. Over the years, countless party leaders, elders, youths and women have worked tirelessly to strengthen the party across every ward and local government area. Such hard-earned unity must not be destroyed because of temporary political contests or personal ambitions.

Primary elections are not battlefields for hatred, violence or bitterness. They are democratic avenues through which political parties peacefully choose candidates who can best represent the collective interest of the people and move society forward. Democracy itself loses meaning when elections become instruments of hostility, violence and hatred rather than opportunities for healthy competition. Therefore, I urge all stakeholders to conduct themselves with discipline, self-respect, tolerance and mutual respect before, during and after the primary election.

Every aspirant in this contest remains a member of the same progressive family. Today’s opponents can become tomorrow’s strongest allies. No individual ambition should outweigh the larger interest of the APC and the future of Ogun West. We must remember another wise saying from our elders: “The fingers are not equal, yet they work together to lift a load.” Different aspirations and opinions are natural in politics, but unity of purpose is what ultimately guarantees victory.

Ogun West occupies a strategic position in the political future of Ogun State, even Nigeria. The district remains a stronghold of progressive politics, and our people have consistently demonstrated faith in the APC because of the party’s commitment to development and good governance. However, any form of violence, intimidation, bitterness or internal crisis during the primary election could weaken our electoral strength ahead of the 2027 general elections. We must not allow any division to happen. A divided house cannot stand for long.

Peaceful primaries bring enormous advantages to both the party and the people. First, peace strengthens party unity. When members feel respected and fairly treated, they remain committed to the success of the party even after the contest. Secondly, peaceful elections preserve the integrity and credibility of the APC before the public. The electorate naturally places confidence in a party capable of managing its internal affairs maturely and democratically.

Thirdly, harmony after the primary election ensures that all aggrieved members can easily reconcile and work together toward victory in the general election. But where bitterness, insults and violence dominate, reconciliation becomes difficult. Political wounds caused by recklessness often linger for years and weaken party structures permanently.

Furthermore, peaceful conduct encourages greater participation among women, youths and grassroots supporters who may otherwise fear intimidation or violence. Democracy flourishes best in an atmosphere where people freely express their choices without fear. As leaders, we must create such an atmosphere for our members.

Another important benefit of peace is that it allows the party to focus its energy on governance, development and future electoral success rather than internal conflicts. Time and resources wasted on disputes, court cases and political quarrels can instead be directed toward strengthening our structures and improving the lives of our people.

I also wish to appeal especially to our youths. Young people must never allow themselves to be used as instruments of violence or political destruction. The same hands meant to build the future of Ogun West must not be stained with acts capable of bringing sorrow and regret. Violence benefits no one in the end. Political leaders come and go, but the scars of violence remain in families and communities for generations.

To all aspirants, I humbly urge you to see yourselves first as loyal party men committed to the larger interest of the APC. Contest vigorously, but do so with dignity and honour. Let your campaigns be built on ideas, competence, service and vision rather than attacks or provocation. Whoever emerges victorious should receive the support and cooperation of all members in the spirit of brotherhood and solidarity.

As progressives, we are all working for one common goal — the continued success, stability and growth of our great party.  Then the development of Ogun West District and Ogun State in general. Let us therefore demonstrate maturity, unity and peaceful coexistence that will further strengthen the APC in Ogun West and Ogun State at large.

History remembers not only those who won elections, but also those who preserved peace, protected unity and placed the interest of the people above personal ambition. Let us choose the path of wisdom, harmony and collective progress.

May peace guide our words, our actions and our decisions as we move forward together as one united APC family in Ogun West.

Senator Prince Gbolahan Dada