In this interview with ABDULLAHI OLESIN, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, Prince Sunday Fagbemi discusses the alleged division within the party, the emergence of the APC’s governorship candidate, the G15 group, and the party’s prospects in the 2027 general elections. He insists that the APC will secure a 100 per cent electoral victory in the state.
There are claims of division within the APC rank and file in Kwara State. What can you say is the cause or causes of the alleged division within the party?
It depends on who is talking about division. As far as we are concerned, we are one family within the APC. They say there are disagreements. Disagreements are common within families, whether small or large. That does not mean there is a division. A family still retains its surname. So I don’t know anyone who isn’t in the APC. Anyone in the APC is a member of the APC family.
If we have disagreements, there are processes and mechanisms for resolving them. You know that we recently set up a Reconciliation Committee, which has just completed its work and submitted its report. We have also set up a smaller committee to review the issues raised and make recommendations.
There is a group of former governorship aspirants within the APC who claim there was no governorship primary election in the state. How do you respond to this?
We have moved beyond the issue of aspirants. We already have a candidate. The process for selecting or electing our candidates is the same across the country. So, that issue is beyond us. I cannot be talking about that now.
How will the formation of the APC G15, now known as The Otoge Progressives (OTP), affect the APC’s chances in the 2027 elections in the state?
The 2027 election is in the hands of the Almighty God. He has been with us before, and He is still with us. God will continue to be with us. So, by the grace of God, victory is sure for our party in 2027.
Even without the support of the G15?
I am not talking about any G-anything, because even the so-called G15 is now about G6 or so. So, what are we talking about? G15 is now about G6.
What I mean is that we are hearing different things. They said some people want to join the PDP, and most of them say they will not return to Egypt. So, they are depleting. I don’t see how any G-anything will affect anything.
And the remaining people, I know, will, in good conscience, return to the fold. We are members of the same family. There is no disagreement that is unresolvable.
Then, sir, will you say that the grievances of the APC G15 are genuine and in the best interests of the APC, as they claim?
One thing, let us establish this. Anyone who has gone through a process and is dissatisfied with it has an inalienable right to have grievances and to be aggrieved. So, it is their right to be aggrieved.
What I am quarrelling with is the process by which they are pursuing their grievances. That is exposing the party to ridicule in the press. That is my grievance with them. So, they have the right to be aggrieved, and we have set up a Reconciliation Committee where everyone should go to ventilate their grievances.
Did they participate? Did they appear before the Reconciliation Committee?
Well, we are reviewing the Reconciliation Committee’s report. We will know whether they did or not.
What are the chances of the APC in the coming elections, especially the governorship election?
With all sense of responsibility and honesty, and to the glory of Almighty God, we are returning with a 100 per cent electoral victory in 2027.
