A coalition of political stakeholders and grassroots mobilisers within the Accord Party in Osun State has cautioned Governor Ademola Adeleke against approving automatic tickets for incumbent federal lawmakers, warning that such a move could trigger internal tensions within the party.
The group expressed its concerns in a statement issued in Osogbo, the state capital, and signed by Adekunle Gabriel on behalf of the coalition.
According to the stakeholders, while efforts aimed at maintaining political stability and unity within the party are understandable, the long-term strength of any political organisation depends on fairness, inclusiveness, and the confidence of both party members and the electorate.
The coalition warned that sidelining other aspirants who have invested time, resources, and grassroots mobilisation into the political process could create dissatisfaction among party members and weaken participation.
They stressed that political history shows that when party members perceive the playing field as uneven, grassroots morale can decline and opposition parties may gain an advantage.
The group noted that political strength is best preserved through open and credible competition rather than closed arrangements.
The stakeholders further observed that voters in Osun State are politically aware and sensitive to issues of exclusion or preferential treatment.
They emphasized that public goodwill must be maintained through transparent and fair political processes.
They also pointed out that several aspirants across the state have already invested significant resources in consultations, mobilisation, and community engagement.
Granting structural advantages to a few individuals, they warned, could generate tensions capable of affecting the party’s stability.
The coalition reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful political engagement and urged the governor and party leaders to carefully consider the broader electoral and institutional implications of any decision that might limit open participation in the party’s processes.
