The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has introduced a new code of conduct for governorship aspirants ahead of the party’s primary election scheduled for 2026.
The resolutions were reached on Thursday during a meeting of the State Working Committee (SWC) held at the party’s secretariat in Osogbo. The session was presided over by the state chairman, Tajudeen Lawal.
In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, the SWC expressed concern over rising cases of verbal attacks by supporters of various aspirants against fellow party members and leaders, describing such conduct as harmful to party unity.
According to the statement signed by Lawal, the SWC warned that the development had been causing “avoidable cataclysm, rancour and disharmony” within the Osun APC.
Ban on Executives as Campaign Coordinators
To check the trend, the committee announced that party executive officers at all levels, including reinstated council chairmen and councillors, are barred from serving as coordinators for any aspirant.
The SWC further directed that aspirants, their supporters, and spokesmen must desist from using abusive or derogatory language during campaigns, warning that violations would attract sanctions in line with the party’s constitution.
“The leadership of the party shall frown at any aspirant, supporter, or leader who causes a derogatory message, article or news story against any fellow aspirant either in print, broadcast, or social media,” the communique added.
Use of Party Leaders’ Names Prohibited
The committee also cautioned aspirants against using the names of revered party leaders or political groups to endorse their ambition, stressing that offenders would face strict disciplinary measures.
Coordinators were further warned against circulating unverified claims about financial support from party chieftains, which the SWC said could create unnecessary division and animosity within the party.
Investigation of NGO Programme
The meeting also discussed a controversial programme reportedly run by a non-governmental organisation requiring the compilation of 1,000 names from each ward. The SWC directed the state chairman to investigate the authenticity of the initiative in Abuja to ensure it was not designed to undermine the party structure.
It added that local government chairmen must only be engaged through proper party channels if the programme proves genuine.
Call for Stronger Mobilisation
The SWC tasked state executive officers to intensify mobilisation efforts for the ongoing Continuous Voters’ Registration exercise, noting that the level of engagement across the state was “not encouraging enough.”
Lawal reminded aspirants and their supporters that the focus should remain on securing victory for the APC in the 2026 governorship election rather than fighting among themselves.
“It is needless to turn fellow members of the same party into arch-enemies because of a primary election,” he said.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
