ADC Aspirant, Busari Babatunde Petitions David Mark, Aregbesola Over Alleged Irregularities In Oyo Reps Primary
•By KAZEEM OYENIYI
IBADAN — AN aspirant in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) House of Representatives primary election for Oyo Federal Constituency, Hon. Busari Basit Babatunde, has petitioned the national leadership of the party over alleged irregularities, non-compliance and failure to declare the authentic winner of the exercise.
Busari through his lawyers, Lawbridge Partners, addressed the petition to the National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark; the National Secretary of the party, Rauf Aregbesola; and the Chairman of the Oyo State Primary Election Appeals Committee.
The petition dated May 23, 2026, alleged that the primary election conducted on Thursday, May 21, 2026, was characterised by procedural violations capable of undermining the credibility of the exercise.
The Oyo Federal Constituency comprises Afijio, Atiba, Oyo East and Oyo West local government areas.
In the petition signed by the Managing Partner of the law firm, Babatunde Titilola, Esq., the aspirant claimed that there was no visible presence of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission and security personnel in several voting locations during the exercise.
According to the petition, members of the electoral committee set up by the party also allegedly failed to appear in many areas where the election was conducted.
The petition read in part: “Our client participated fully in the primary election conducted on Thursday, 21 May, 2026. However, the process was marred by widespread irregularities, procedural violations, and acts capable of undermining the credibility and integrity of the exercise.
“There was no visible presence of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission and security personnel across several voting locations during the exercise.”
Busari further alleged that the absence of security personnel created an atmosphere vulnerable to intimidation, disorder and procedural abuse.
The petitioner also accused party officials of conducting the election through what he described as “open and irregular methods” inconsistent with democratic standards.
The petition further claimed that elections did not hold in one ward in Oyo West Local Government Area and two wards in Oyo East Local Government Area, thereby disenfranchising eligible party members.
“Our client further states that elections did not hold in one ward within Oyo West Local Government Area. In addition, elections also reportedly failed to hold in two wards within Oyo East Local Government Area,” the petition added.
Busari also alleged that there were indications that vote figures had been allegedly prepared before the commencement of the exercise.
He claimed that discrepancies existed between actual voting patterns witnessed by party members and figures allegedly discussed by some party officials.
The petitioner said video recordings, photographs, eyewitness accounts and other documentary materials would be relied upon to support the allegations.
The petition also accused some influential individuals within the party of attempting to impose a preferred candidate on members of the constituency.
Particular reference was made to the alleged involvement of Hon. Kamil Akinlabi, an aspirant for the Oyo Central Senatorial District seat.
The petition stated: “There were persistent concerns among stakeholders regarding alleged attempts by powerful political persons within the party to impose a preferred aspirant on the people of Oyo Federal Constituency.”
Busari further claimed that reports collated by his agents and supporters across the constituency indicated that he secured majority support from voters who participated in the exercise.
The aspirant also faulted the failure of party officials to officially declare the result of the primary election after voting and collation.
According to him, several officials responsible for the process allegedly became unreachable after the exercise, thereby creating tension and uncertainty among stakeholders.
The petition read; “Despite the conclusion of voting activities and the collation of reports from across the constituency, officials responsible for the formal declaration of results failed and refused to officially announce the outcome of the exercise.”
The petitioner warned that any attempt to impose an unpopular candidate against the wishes of party members could trigger political division and weaken the party’s electoral strength in the constituency.
He urged the national leadership of the ADC to investigate the conduct of the primary election, review all available evidence and uphold what he described as the true outcome of the exercise based on lawful and verifiable votes.
Among the demands listed in the petition were immediate investigation into the conduct of the election, review of video evidence and observer reports, and ensuring that no aspirant is imposed against the will of party members.
“Our client remains committed to peace, party unity, and the democratic ideals upon which the African Democratic Congress is built,” the petition added.