The recently concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election in Epe Federal Constituency may have produced a candidate, but for Rep. Wale Raji, the greater task ahead is preserving the unity, strength and cohesion of the party.

In a commendable show of leadership and sportsmanship, Rep. Wale Raji has extended a hand of fellowship to fellow aspirants and former challengers, signalling his commitment to reconciliation, inclusion and collective victory ahead of the broader political journey.

The move followed the engagement of the APC Lagos East Senatorial District Reconciliation Committee with stakeholders in Epe Local Government Area over the weekend. The committee, led by Mr. Babatunde Ogala, SAN, OFR, commended the level of reconciliation achieved in Epe, scoring the efforts an impressive 95 per cent while urging stakeholders to address the remaining “minor cracks.”

Responding to the committee’s call, Rep. Wale Raji demonstrated a spirit of humility and inclusiveness, stressing that the primary was a family contest and that every aspirant remains an important member of the APC family.

Speaking before the reconciliation committee, he said:

«“Everyone is entitled to win and in this kind of contest, someone will carry the party’s flag and we didn’t take it for granted. We are not better than the aspirants.”»

The lawmaker further assured the committee of his determination to ensure that no stakeholder is left behind, declaring:

«“I want to assure you sir that we will do everything humanly possible to bring everybody on board. In fact, everybody is already on board and has keyed in.”»

His approach has been widely seen as a demonstration of mature political leadership—putting party unity ahead of personal triumph and recognising that the strength of the APC in Epe lies in the collective contributions of its members, leaders, aspirants and supporters.

The reconciliation effort also reinforces the message that the conclusion of the primary election should not mark the end of relationships among party stakeholders. Rather, it should provide a new beginning for cooperation, mutual respect and a united commitment to the party’s success.

With the primary now behind them, the focus is shifting towards building a stronger and more united APC capable of delivering victory in the wider political contest ahead.

After competition comes cooperation. After the contest comes reconciliation. And in Epe, Rep. Wale Raji is choosing to play the role of the big brother—bringing everyone together for a stronger APC and a collective victory.