Who is scared of primaries, who is scared of Apata?

By Adewumi Faniran, Ward 6, Ola, Ejigbo Local Government Area

In every functioning democracy, the credibility of a political party rests squarely on its willingness to submit to the will of its members. That will is most powerfully expressed through free, fair, and transparent primary elections. It is therefore not out of place to ask, who is afraid of primaries, and more pointedly, who is afraid of Peter Taiwo Ogundeji, APATA?

Primaries are the soul of internal democracy, they are the arena where popularity is tested, where service is weighed, and where the people, not a privileged few, determine the direction of their party. As the saying goes, “sunlight is the best disinfectant”. Primaries provide that sunlight, exposing strength where it exists and weakness where it hides.

Those who resist such openness often do so because they are uncertain of their standing among the grassroots. In Osun West Senatorial District, Chief (Dr) Peter Taiwo Ogundeji, widely known as APATA, represents a different breed of politician, one whose political relevance is deeply rooted in the lives of the people. His story is not one of sudden emergence, but of sustained commitment.

Through vocational training programmes, hundreds have been equipped with skills for self-reliance. Through medical outreaches, many have regained their sight and dignity through free surgeries and the distribution of corrective glasses. Through educational support, over one thousand five hundred indigent students have gained access to UTME forms, with a promise of further sponsorship for those who excel in critical courses.

It is often said, “A tree is known by its fruits”. Across the three federal constituencies of Osun West, the fruits of APATA’s labour are evident. From Ayedire and Iwo to Olaoluwa, from Irewole to Ayedaade and Isokan, to Ejigbo, and across Ede North, Ede South, and Egbedore, his name carries weight, not because of political noise, but because of measurable impact.

His empowerment programmes, quiet philanthropy, and consistent engagement at the grassroots have built a reservoir of goodwill that cannot be manufactured overnight. The question then becomes inevitable, if primaries are conducted in a genuinely free and fair manner, who stands a better chance? For APATA, primaries are not a hurdle; they are the pathway. “The voice of the people is the voice of power”, and he has invested years in earning that voice.

His “Walk to Live and Win” rallies across the district were not staged spectacles, but organic demonstrations of support. They culminated in the widely discussed grand rally in Ede, the hometown of Governor Ademola Adeleke, where major streets overflowed with supporters from Oke Gada to the Timi of Ede Palace Square.

Beyond grassroots appeal lies ideological consistency. Raised in a family devoted to the progressive ideals of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, APATA’s political journey has remained firmly within that tradition, from Unity Party of Nigeria, to Alliance for Democracy, to Action Congress, Action Congress of Nigeria, and now the All Progressives Congress. “Principle, not convenience, is the hallmark of true leadership”, and his loyalty reflects conviction rather than ambition.

When confronted with the possibility of not securing the party ticket, his response was calm and revealing, “My natural habitat remains my party, I cannot become a stranger in another man’s land”. In that statement lies a profound truth, a man secure in his identity does not fear the outcome of a fair contest; he embraces it.

At this critical juncture, it is necessary to respectfully and humbly appeal to the leaders of his great party, the APC, at all levels, national, state, senatorial, and local government, to uphold the sanctity of the democratic process by ensuring that the forthcoming primary election is conducted in a manner that is credible, transparent, and just. “Justice must not only be done, but it must also be seen to be done.”

The integrity of that process will not only strengthen party unity, but also position the party for success in the August 15 governorship election and the 2027 general election. This appeal is not borne out of weakness, but from confidence in the collective will of party members. It is a call to deepen internal democracy, to reward loyalty, and to provide every aspirant with a level playing field.

For when fairness prevails, the outcome commands legitimacy; and when legitimacy is secured, victory becomes inevitable. So, who is afraid of primaries, and who is afraid of Peter Taiwo Ogundeji, APATA? Certainly not those who believe in the power of the people. Certainly not those whose records can withstand scrutiny. The fear of primaries is, in essence, the fear of accountability, the fear of being measured, and perhaps, the fear of being outmatched.

As the 2027 political horizon draws closer, one truth stands firm, if the process is transparent, if the field is level, and if the people are allowed to decide, then the verdict will not only be clear, it will be decisive. And in that moment of decision, Peter Taiwo Ogundeji, APATA, will stand not merely as a contender, but as the choice of the people.