Professor Adeolu Akande , a political scientist and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo state has dismissed claims that internal disagreements within the party signal disunity, describing such developments as a natural feature of a vibrant political party.
Akande, who is an APC senatorial aspirant in Oyo North, stated that the presence of multiple aspirants and competing interests within the party often leads to arguments and counter-arguments, particularly as elections approach.
In an interview with Journalist in Ibadan the former Chairman of NITDA and NCC, explained that such political posturing should not be mistaken for instability within the APC.
According to him, “When people have political aspirations within a party, particularly close to an election period, everyone begins to position themselves. That naturally comes with debates and differing opinions. It does not mean the party is not settled.”
The professor of Political Science further argued that the level of internal contestation within the APC in Oyo State is an indication of its strength and viability ahead of future elections.
He contrasted this with other political parties in the state, which he said lack similar internal dynamics due to their limited chances of electoral success.
“If there are no such arguments and positioning within a party, then that party is practically inactive. Many of the other registered political parties in Oyo State do not exhibit this level of engagement, which simply shows they are not serious contenders,” he said.
Akande maintained that the APC remains the dominant platform capable of producing the next government in Oyo State, adding that most of the real political competition is currently taking place within the party.
“The competition is within the APC, and anyone who emerges successfully from that process is well-positioned for victory,” he added.
