‘No one dictates for APC’ — Kwara chapter rejects Onilu’s position

The Kwara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected and distanced itself from remarks attributed to Lanre Issa-Onilu, declaring that no individual can dictate the direction of the party.

In a statement issued on Friday, the State Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Abdulwaheed Olawale Babatunde, insisted that Onilu’s position is personal and does not reflect the collective stance of the party leadership or its established processes.

The party stressed that while members are free to express personal opinions, such views must not be misconstrued as the official position of the APC, particularly on matters relating to the emergence of candidates ahead of forthcoming elections.

The reaction follows the recent endorsement of Bolarinwa by Issa-Onilu, who currently serves as Director General of the National Orientation Agency. He had publicly backed Bolarinwa and called on other aspirants to unite—a move some stakeholders interpret as aligning with emerging signals from Abuja.

Despite this, the Kwara APC maintained that the process for selecting its flagbearers remains open and will be determined through constitutionally recognised mechanisms, including consensus or direct primaries, in line with party guidelines.

The party also warned members against actions capable of undermining internal cohesion, cautioning that attempts to influence or disrupt due process would not be tolerated.

Describing the moment as critical, the APC urged members to remain disciplined, vigilant, and committed to unity, stressing that the party’s strength lies in collective resolve and adherence to democratic principles.

The development comes amid growing political realignments within the party as stakeholders intensify moves ahead of the next electoral cycle.