At a time when political parties across Nigeria are beginning to position themselves for the next electoral cycle, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s renewed effort to reconcile aggrieved members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State could prove to be one of the most consequential political initiatives of his administration.
Rather than allowing old disagreements, bruised egos and unresolved grievances to deepen divisions within the party, the governor has continue to pursue politics of inclusion by bringing estranged party members back to the negotiating table and encouraging them to place the collective interest of the APC and the development of Kogi above personal differences or interests.
Recent political realignments and expressions of support for the governor from APC stakeholders indicate that the reconciliation process is already generating conversations about greater unity within the party.
The recent endorsement of Ododo/Tinubu continuity by former local government elected officers and appointees across the 21 council areas among many others are testaments of the governor’s inclusive policy.
Why the reconciliation matters;
Political disagreements are inevitable in a large political organisation like the APC, differences over party primaries, appointments, leadership positions, political opportunities and personal interests can create factions.
The real test of leadership, however, is the ability to manage those differences without allowing them to destroy the larger organisation.
For the APC in Kogi, reconciliation is therefore more than a political strategy. It is an attempt to rebuild trust.
Governor Ododo’s initiative provides an opportunity for members who may have felt excluded, overlooked or dissatisfied to reconnect with the party structure. By opening channels for dialogue, the governor can transform former opponents within the party into participants in a common political project. Excellent idea!
The timing is significant;
The timing of the reconciliation effort may be its greatest strength. With the 2027 general elections approaching, political parties are entering a period when internal cohesion becomes increasingly important.
A divided governing party can easily lose the advantage created by incumbency, while a united party can convert its organisational structures into electoral strength.
For Governor Ododo, beginning the reconciliation process early provides room for grievances to be addressed before political activities become more intense.
Waiting until the eve of an election would make reconciliation more difficult because every disagreement could become entangled with questions of tickets, endorsements, appointments and political succession.
Starting now creates an opportunity to separate genuine grievances from electoral calculations and allow members to rebuild relationships before the next major electoral contest.
A united APC means a more stable political environment for governance. When party leaders and stakeholders cooperate, government can devote greater attention to development rather than spending valuable energy managing internal political crises.
Reconciliation strengthen grassroots mobilisation;
Ward and local-government structures are the foundation of any political party. When influential members feel alienated, their supporters can equally become disengaged. Bringing such leaders back into the fold can therefore have a multiplier effect.
It strengthen communication between the government and communities, improve political participation and create a broader sense of ownership of the administration.
A test of leadership;
Ultimately, Governor Ododo’s reconciliation initiative will be judged not simply by the number of meetings held or individuals brought back into the APC, but by whether the process produces genuine inclusion.
A successful reconciliation requires fairness, patience and a willingness to listen. Those who have grievances must feel that they are being heard, while existing party leaders must equally feel that reconciliation does not diminish their contributions.
The governor therefore is on the path of establishing a political culture in which disagreements do not automatically become permanent divisions. Indeed, that would be another important legacy too.
I wish His Excellency, Capt. Idris Wada and his committee members a successful reconciliation exercise.
– Abdulmumin Abubakar
Former Special Adviser
Media & Publicity
Okene LG (2016-2023)
