By Muhammad Mamman
Former Minister of Interior and ex-Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, has cautioned the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) against relying on state governors to guarantee electoral victory, warning that political power ultimately rests with the people.
Aregbesola made the remarks amid growing internal debates within the ruling party over strategy, influence and control ahead of future elections. He argued that the assumption that governors can single-handedly deliver votes for the party is deeply flawed and often disconnected from political realities on the ground.
According to him, electoral success cannot be manufactured through elite consensus or the backing of powerful office holders alone, stressing that voters are increasingly independent-minded and resistant to imposition. He said political parties that ignore public sentiment in favour of internal power blocs risk costly electoral surprises.
The former governor also urged the APC, under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, to refocus on grassroots mobilisation, internal democracy and responsive governance rather than excessive dependence on incumbency advantages.
Political observers say Aregbesola’s comments highlight lingering ideological and strategic tensions within the APC, particularly as the party navigates governance challenges and prepares for future electoral contests.
His intervention has sparked renewed debate within political circles over the real influence of governors in Nigeria’s electoral process and the need for parties to rebuild trust with voters through performance rather than patronage.
