2027: Oyo APC Guber Aspirants Demand Free, Fair Primaries, Seek Tinubu’s Intervention
•By MUBAROQAH AWOJOODU
IBADAN — Five governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have called for free, fair and credible primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that alleged imposition, intimidation and manipulation within the party could jeopardise its electoral chances in the state.
The aspirants made the call on Monday during a press briefing held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, where they also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC to intervene in the controversy trailing the party’s House of Representatives primary elections conducted on May 16.
Their position was contained in a communiqué jointly signed by former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Rauf Olaniyan; Prince Musbau Asanike; Akeem Agbaje; Dr. Ololade Usman Bakare; and Engr. Oyedele Hakeem Alao.
The aspirants alleged that the House of Representatives primaries were characterised by widespread intimidation, disenfranchisement of party members, arbitrary disqualification of aspirants and announcement of results in some constituencies where elections allegedly did not take place.
According to them, the exercise fell short of democratic standards and violated provisions of the party’s constitution as well as the Electoral Act.
“We unequivocally reject the conduct of direct primaries that compromise the majority will of the people. Such exercises have historically bred imposition, alienation and electoral losses for the APC in Oyo State,” the communiqué stated.
The group further claimed that party members across the 33 local government areas of the state expressed dissatisfaction over what they described as the sidelining of loyal party faithful and the imposition of preferred candidates.
They specifically condemned alleged incidents in Oke-Ogun, Ibarapa and Oyo zones where, according to them, results were allegedly manufactured in favour of predetermined candidates despite no election taking place.
The aspirants warned that the growing grievances among members could deepen divisions within the party and weaken its chances in the 2027 elections if urgent measures were not taken.
They, however, clarified that they were not opposed to consensus arrangements, insisting that a transparent consensus process remained their preferred option for producing credible candidates.
According to them, any consensus arrangement must involve broad consultations with stakeholders and reflect the collective interest of party members.
“As loyal members of the APC, we hold that the voice of our leader and President is final in matters of party direction. Whoever he picks, after due consultation and consideration with leaders and stakeholders across the state, will be our resolve,” the communiqué added.
The aspirants urged President Tinubu to direct the national and state leadership of the party to uphold democratic principles and ensure a level playing field for all aspirants.
They also called on the APC National Working Committee to review petitions arising from the House of Representatives primaries, including complaints bordering on alleged illegal disqualifications and fabricated results.
The group further appealed to the Oyo APC leadership to refrain from actions capable of worsening divisions within the party and instead embrace reconciliation founded on justice, equity and fairness.
While reaffirming their commitment to the APC, the aspirants warned that continued disregard for internal democracy could push the party towards avoidable electoral defeat in Oyo State in 2027.
“The APC in Oyo State stands at a critical crossroads. The choice before us is stark: either we return to the path of internal democracy, inclusiveness and fairness, or we continue on a trajectory that guarantees division, disillusionment and electoral loss in 2027,” they stated.