A faction of stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have rejected alleged moves to impose consensus candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that such actions could trigger the collapse of the party’s structure in the state.
The stakeholders expressed their viewpoint in a communiqué published during a meeting on Tuesday at the University of Ibadan’s Otunba Subomi Balogun Hall.
The communiqué was signed by party stakeholders like as Akinleye Olusegun, Saheed Olayiwola, Adetoyese Ishola, Adekola Mudashiru, Abiola Oyeyemi, Inaolaji Akinloye, Asoludero Banji, Ojo Oluwaseun, Femi Awogboro, and Teslim Kunle.
The development coincides with increased political activity and alliances inside the Oyo APC ahead of the 2027 governorship race, with major candidates strengthening talks and mobilising support across the state.
Chronicle NG reports that former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who recently resigned from the Federal Government to pursue his governorship ambition, also met with members of the state executive council of the APC on Tuesday and formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election.
Adelabu, speaking to party leaders at the APC secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, expressed confidence in securing the party’s ticket and winning the election, while rejecting calls to impose a consensus candidate.
He stated that the purpose of the visit was to formally notify the leadership of his aspiration while also reiterating his devotion to the APC and dedication to the development of Oyo state.
Some APC leaders recently endorsed Senator Sharafadeen Alli of the Oyo South Senatorial District as their chosen candidate for the 2027 governorship race, prompting his declaration.
In response to the incident, stakeholders cautioned that the party risked dissolution if immediate steps were not taken to address internal issues and defend democratic ideals.
“The actions of those behind it are condemnable and constitute a direct assault on internal democracy.
“We are demanding strict adherence to the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act. We want direct primary elections, which remain the most credible means of candidate selection,” the communiqué stated.
The group also expressed “deep concern and dissatisfaction” with what it saw as recent anti-democratic actions within the party, warning that any attempt to avoid due procedure could jeopardize the party’s unity and existence.
The stakeholders specifically distanced themselves from a meeting allegedly conducted on May 1 in Ibadan by Senators Ayoade Adeseun and Fatai Ibikunle on President Bola Tinubu’s behalf.
“We want to declare the gathering null, void and unacceptable,” they said.
According to them, the conference did not represent the perspective of true party leaders and was reportedly motivated by personal interests rather than member consensus.
“The actions of these political dealers are condemnable and constitute a direct assault on internal democracy. Mr President is a democrat. Let everyone go to the field to test their popularity so that the best candidate can emerge,” the communiqué added.
“They are lying against the President and the lie cannot stand. Any attempt to impose candidates would fail in this state. Imposition cannot work here in Oyo State.”
The stakeholders also demanded disciplinary action against members accused of anti-party activity and blatant indiscipline, including expulsion if required.
They asked the APC’s national leadership to take proactive actions to maintain party unity and prevent the loss of prominent members, pointing out that many citizens still see the APC as a viable option to the Peoples Democratic Party administration led by Governor Seyi Makinde.
