By Peace Erewunmi

The Kwara State Elders Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declined an invitation to appear before the party’s reconciliation committee, citing concerns over the committee’s legitimacy and timing. The decision is the latest development in the ongoing internal crisis within the state’s ruling party ahead of the 2027 general election.

In a letter addressed to the chairman of the reconciliation committee, the elders described the panel as an “afterthought” and questioned its authority to resolve issues they believe stem from the conduct of the party’s recent governorship primary election. They maintained that meaningful reconciliation must begin with addressing the concerns they had previously raised.

The caucus has consistently expressed dissatisfaction with the emergence of the APC’s governorship candidate, arguing that the process lacked transparency and failed to reflect the will of party stakeholders. The group has called on the national leadership of the APC to intervene in order to preserve unity within the party.

The reconciliation committee was constituted by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration to mend divisions within the party and foster cohesion ahead of future political activities. However, the elders’ refusal to participate underscores the deepening disagreements among key stakeholders in the Kwara APC.

Political observers say the development could complicate efforts to rebuild consensus within the party, as leaders continue to seek a resolution to the internal disputes before preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.