The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, has declared the party’s full support for the Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Oyelola Yisa Ashiru, in providing political leadership for Kwara South.
He emphasized the need for unity among party members and urged elected and appointed officials to remain accessible to the people.
Speaking at the Kwara South Stakeholders’ Interactive Meeting held at Avalon Hotel, Offa, on Sunday, Prince Fagbemi commended Senator Ashiru for convening the meeting, describing it as an important step toward strengthening the party’s structure in the district.
“Distinguished Senator, once again, I want to appreciate you because this gathering is adding immense value to our party. As we have said in private and semi-open discussions, it appears that God has now inspired you to take up a stronger leadership role.
“Mr. Senator, from now on, I believe you have started well, and I urge you to continue providing leadership.
“There must be unity. I don’t know how you will achieve it, but it is necessary—especially among the legislators, both at the National Assembly and the Kwara State House of Assembly. When you step forward, everyone should rally behind you. However, if you hold a cane, those behind you will be afraid to move closer. At any point in time, we are ready to stand by you to provide leadership for the people of Kwara South. But this leadership is not just for the people of Kwara South alone.
“This gathering is adding value to our party, and I believe you have started well. Please continue to provide leadership. Unity is crucial, especially among legislators at both the state and national levels. When a leader steps forward, everyone should rally behind them rather than fear division.”
Fagbemi stressed that unity within the APC is essential for the district’s political strength, warning against internal divisions that could weaken the party’s influence.
“What we need in Kwara South are factors that unite us, not those that divide us. Only under a united front can we secure what belongs to us in the state and independently choose our representatives at various levels,” he stated.
The APC chairman also reaffirmed Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s commitment to unity across the state, dismissing any claims of division within the party as false.
“His Excellency, Governor AbdulRazaq, wants unity in Kwara. Anyone suggesting otherwise is misleading the people,” he said.
Fagbemi addressed speculations that the meeting was linked to Senator Ashiru’s political ambitions, urging party members to set aside personal aspirations for now.
“This meeting is not about Senator Ashiru seeking a second or third term. Even if he wants to contest multiple times, that decision lies with Kwara Southerners. For now, we must avoid distractions in governance,” he declared.
He cautioned that early political maneuvering could derail the developmental projects of the current administration, advising aspirants to wait until next year before declaring their ambitions.
“There are still many projects the governor intends to execute across the state. If we allow political distractions now, we may not achieve them,” Fagbemi warned.
Beyond politics, the APC chairman expressed concerns about the growing disconnect between elected and appointed officials and the people who elected them.
“Many of those we elect become inaccessible after assuming office. Instead of adding value to the party and the government, some appointees isolate themselves. This must stop,” he said.
Fagbemi revealed that he had advised Governor AbdulRazaq to consider dissolving non-performing appointees, noting that their actions were undermining the administration’s progress.
“If appointees are not delivering on their responsibilities, they should be removed. The government must prioritize those who genuinely serve the people,” he added.
Prince Fagbemi urged all APC members in Kwara South to embrace dialogue, strengthen party structures, and remain committed to the collective vision of the party, ensuring the region’s continued development and political relevance.
