The All Progressives Congress, South Africa chapter, says the party has been taught a “big lesson” by the defeat it suffered in the just-concluded governorship election in Osun.

In a statement jointly signed by the chapter’s chairman, Bola Babarinde and the publicity secretary, Sanni David, the party said the crisis within the party should have been managed well to ensure victory in the election.

The chapter urged Governor Gboyega Oyetola to use the remaining months of his administration to complete his assignments and projects in the best way.

The APC chapter called on the party’s leadership to begin the process of reconciliation among aggrieved members nationwide.

It also appealed to APC members in Oyo to learn from the Osun election and start the reconciliation process with aggrieved members.

“Oyo APC should learn from this big lesson and disaster in Osun state, and aggressively start the process of reconciliation with all aggrieved members to work for the party’s governorship candidate, Teslim Folarin, for resounding success in 2023,” said the statement. “Folarin should not leave any stone unturned in gearing up internal reconciliation mechanisms. No advice should be taken lightly, especially from Diaspora because we have immense contributions towards party success.”

It also called on the party leadership to embrace the reward system mechanism for party loyalists, who worked for the party’s progress but were neglected.

“Most members are aggrieved, dejected, probably the way the party leaders treated them, especially after working so hard for the success of our party,” it noted.

The chapter also called on APC leadership to re-strategise to win the presidential and other elections in 2023.

On Sunday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared PDP candidate, Ademola Adeleke, as the winner of Saturday’s governorship election in Osun.

(NAN)