Tinubu Told to Safeguard Party Unity Amid Growing Kwara APC Dispute

A civil society group, the Centre for Citizens Participation and Democratic Development, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remain neutral in the ongoing crisis within the All Progressives Congress in Kwara State.

In a statement issued by its Executive Director, Prof. AbdulKareem Adedeji, the group warned against any action that could create the impression that the Presidency had taken sides in the dispute arising from the party’s recent primaries.

The group expressed concern over reports that a delegation aligned with Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, plans to visit Abuja to meet key political leaders and the President.

It alleged that the move could be interpreted as an attempt to project an image of unity despite lingering disagreements within the party.

According to the statement, the controversy surrounding the APC primaries, particularly the governorship primary, has continued to generate concerns among party elders, lawmakers, aspirants, youth groups, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.

It noted that the dispute has led to public advocacy campaigns, stakeholder engagements and legal actions.

The group cautioned that any perceived endorsement of one faction by the Presidency could deepen divisions within the party and undermine efforts toward reconciliation.

It also urged traditional rulers to avoid involvement in partisan political activities, stressing that royal fathers should remain neutral and serve as custodians of peace, unity and justice.

Adedeji maintained that President Tinubu, as leader of the nation, should act as a father to all stakeholders by promoting fairness, inclusion and dialogue rather than allowing the Presidency to be drawn into unresolved state-level political disputes.

He called for genuine reconciliation within the APC in Kwara State, insisting that concerns over the primaries should be addressed transparently to preserve public confidence, party unity and democratic credibility.