Former Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Folarin, has endorsed the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, pledging to work with other party stakeholders to secure victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Alli and other APC candidates in the 2027 general elections.
Folarin made the commitment on Monday during a visit by Alli and his entourage to his residence in Ibadan, where he assured the delegation that he had moved beyond previous grievances and was ready to support efforts to strengthen the party ahead of the elections.
The former Senate Leader, who was among APC chieftains believed to be dissatisfied with the emergence of some party candidates, also expressed optimism that other aggrieved leaders would join the reconciliation process.
Addressing Alli and a gathering of party supporters in Yoruba, Folarin acknowledged the existence of deep-seated disagreements within the party but stressed the need for dialogue, mutual understanding and a collective commitment to its future.
“Only a bastard will be wronged and will not be angry. In the same way, only a bastard will reject apologies from those who have wronged him,” he said.
Folarin explained that the grievances among some party leaders could not be dismissed, particularly given the years of political investment and commitment by those who felt sidelined in the process that produced the party’s candidates.
He disclosed that he had devoted 26 years of his political life to pursuing his governorship ambition, arguing that it was unrealistic to expect people who felt disappointed to suppress their feelings without being adequately engaged.
According to him, aggrieved stakeholders must be approached with genuine appeals and sincere efforts at reconciliation rather than having their concerns ignored.
He commended Senator Femi Lanlehin and Professor Taoheed Adedoja for their efforts to reconcile aggrieved party leaders, although he rated their progress at 20 per cent.
Folarin explained that the reconciliation process would remain incomplete until influential stakeholders who could persuade other aggrieved members agreed to support the initiative.
He, however, warned that time was running out and urged party leaders to prevent internal disagreements from destroying the APC’s electoral prospects.
“What do we stand to gain if we allow things to collapse totally?” he asked.
The former Senate Leader also acknowledged the contributions of some party stakeholders, particularly Alhaji Idris, whom he praised for his sacrifices and efforts in bringing the party to its present position.
Recounting previous political disagreements, Folarin disclosed that he and some other party leaders had once considered holding a meeting to oppose reconciliation. He said subsequent developments and appeals from key stakeholders had, however, encouraged a reconsideration of that position.
He noted that although some influential members were still dissatisfied, the need to protect the party’s future had become more important than individual grievances.
“We have to think about tomorrow. We do not know what will happen tomorrow,” he said, appealing to party members to look beyond their immediate disappointments.
Folarin further disclosed that President Tinubu had appointed him as the coordinator of the APC’s political activities in Oyo State, a responsibility he said extended beyond securing votes for the President to delivering victory for all party candidates.
He consequently urged party members to begin preparations for the elections, stressing that the task required collective responsibility and sustained engagement with stakeholders across the state.
According to him, political differences should not necessarily prevent party members from working together.
“It is not compulsory to be friends! Just be members of the party with us,” he said.
Folarin maintained that his familiarity with aggrieved APC members across the state’s local government areas would help him facilitate reconciliation and encourage wider participation in the party’s campaign.
He also appealed to party faithful to remain committed despite previous disappointments, noting that political fortunes could fluctuate.
Reflecting on the 2023 presidential election, he challenged APC members to improve on the votes secured for Tinubu in Oyo State, insisting that the party must approach the 2027 elections with renewed determination.
He added that he had held discussions with President Tinubu alongside other party leaders, including Senator Buhari, to communicate their concerns and expectations.
Folarin, however, identified what he described as an unfair reward system within the APC as one of the factors contributing to discontent among party members.
“The reward system in this party, not just in Oyo State, is very bad. When we finish working, the people who did nothing are the ones who get rewarded. That will not happen again. We will not accept it,” he declared.
He described Alli as an experienced politician, adding that the manner in which his candidacy emerged had contributed to the grievances expressed by some party stakeholders.
Nevertheless, Folarin said the party needed to put those disagreements aside and work together to secure victory, while also ensuring that loyal members and grassroots mobilisers received appropriate recognition for their contributions.
“Our candidate, Sharafadeen Alli, is a politician. It was the manner in which his candidacy emerged that made some people aggrieved. But if we put that aside, he is a politician,” he said.
He assured traditional politicians and grassroots party members that their contributions would not be overlooked, urging them to work alongside newer political actors to achieve the party’s objectives.
Folarin expressed confidence that, with unity and sustained commitment, the APC would be well-positioned to win the 2027 elections and form the next government in Oyo State.
He concluded by appealing to party members to embrace the collective responsibility before them, stressing that he was determined not to fail in the assignment entrusted to him.
“The task entrusted to me has also been entrusted to all of us,” he said.
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