Olesin resigns from APC, cites lack of internal democracy, marginalisation

A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibagun Ward, Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State, Ibrahim Tajudeen Shola Olesin, has resigned his membership of the party, accusing it of abandoning the democratic ideals that initially attracted him.

Olesin announced his resignation in a letter dated August 31, 2026, addressed to the APC Ward Chairman in Ibagun Ward, saying his decision followed a period of careful reflection on the direction of the party in Kwara State.

In the letter titled, “Letter of Resignation From the All Progressives Congress (APC),” Olesin announced his immediate withdrawal from the party at the ward, local government and state levels.

He said he joined the APC because of his belief in its promises of equity, progressive governance and democratic values, but alleged that the party’s internal realities had increasingly contradicted those principles.

Olesin specifically criticised what he described as a lack of internal democracy, alleging that dissenting voices were being suppressed and that internal party processes no longer provided a level playing field for members.

He further alleged that decision-making had become concentrated in the hands of a few individuals, which he said had left some loyal party members feeling marginalised and alienated.

“When a political party ceases to respect the will of its base and its own constitution, it loses the moral authority to lead,” Olesin stated.

The former APC member also raised concerns over what he described as inadequate attention to human capital development, arguing that a progressive political organisation should prioritise the development of its members, create opportunities for growth and strengthen citizens’ capacity.

He alleged that the party had instead developed a culture that “overlooks merit” and limits the advancement of loyal members, while failing to invest sufficiently in the future of the people.

Despite his decision to leave, Olesin expressed appreciation to the ward chairman and other party members with whom he had worked, saying the relationships built during his time in the APC remained valuable to him.

He described his resignation as a decision based on “principle and conscience.”

Olesin’s exit comes amid ongoing political realignments in Kwara ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He did not disclose whether he would join another political party or reveal his next political move.