OSOGBO, OSUN STATE — Fears of an internal crisis rocking the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have intensified following a stern warning issued by the party's leadership. The state executive has cautioned aggrieved members and losing aspirants that it “won’t augur well” to continue unleashing media attacks on the party and its leadership structure following the conclusion of the recent House of Representatives and House of Assembly primaries.

The political atmosphere within the opposition party in Osun has grown tense, with several aspirants and their loyalists openly venting their frustrations. However, the State Chairman of the APC, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, moved to nip the brewing rebellion in the bud through a strongly worded official statement released on Sunday.

According to Lawal, public displays of animosity and internal sabotage will only serve to weaken the party’s machinery just as it prepares for the highly anticipated August 15, 2026, governorship election.

“It wouldn’t augur well for any member or members of our party to engage in the talking down of the party or any of our leaders because of their inability to emerge victorious during the primary elections,” Lawal warned, signaling that the party may wield its disciplinary big stick if the attacks persist.

“No Winner, No Vanquished”

In a bid to de-escalate the rising tensions, the party chairman congratulated the candidates who successfully clinched tickets during the legislative primaries. He similarly praised those who lost, commending them for initially demonstrating a "spirit of sportsmanship."

Lawal maintained that primary elections are an internal family affair, asserting that there is "no winner and no vanquished" in the exercise. In his view, the smooth conduct of the primaries meant that the APC and the entire populace of Osun State were the ultimate victors.

However, the reality on the ground—characterized by online mudslinging and accusations of imposition—suggests that many aggrieved aspirants do not share this sentiment.

The Social Media Battleground

Addressing the toxic narrative unfolding online, Lawal specifically called on successful candidates to handle their victories with humility and use them as a tool to consolidate party unity. More importantly, he directed all cleared and uncleared aspirants to immediately rein in their digital foot soldiers and supporters on social media.

The Chairman noted that the influx of offensive posts, cyberbullying, and targeted smear campaigns against party leaders were creating dangerous lines of “acrimony, schism, disunity, and crisis” within the rank and file. He reminded aggrieved members that the APC is governed by a constitution, which features structured, legal, and institutional channels to address legitimate electoral grievances without resorting to public blackmail.

Eyes on the Ultimate Prize: August 2026

Political analysts believe the APC’s aggressive push for absolute internal discipline is tied directly to its ambition to unseat the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

The chairman concluded his briefing with a rallying cry, urging all factions, stakeholders, and grassroots mobilizers to put aside their personal grievances and unite behind the party’s official flagbearer, Bola Oyebamiji, ahead of the August 15, 2026, gubernatorial showdown. Lawal emphasized that a divided house cannot win a statewide election, making total reconciliation an absolute necessity.