2027: Oyo APC stakeholders reject consensus candidate

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo have insisted that the will of the people must prevail in the 2027 general elections.

They warned the leadership against imposition of candidates on the members under the pretext of consensus arrangement.

They submitted that such actions could trigger a collapse of the party’s structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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The warning was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a press conference held at the Otunba Subomi Balogun Hall, University of Ibadan, where participants expressed “deep concern and dissatisfaction” over recent developments within the party.

The stakeholders include Akinleye Olusegun Bishop, Aare Saheed Olayiwola, Adetoyese Akeem Ishola, Asiwaju Adekola Mudashiru, Mogaji Abiola Oyeyemi, Inaolaji Akinloye, Asoludero Banji A Banji, Ojo Oluwaseun, Otunba Femi Awogboro, Teslim Kunle Tescom, and others.

Addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the national leadership of the APC, the stakeholders in a communiqué cautioned that the party risks disintegration in the state if urgent steps are not taken to address internal grievances.

They specifically rejected what they described as attempts by “unscrupulous elements” to impose consensus candidates, declaring a meeting reportedly held on May 1 in Ibadan as “null, void and unacceptable.”

According to the stakeholders, the meeting did not reflect the position of genuine party members and was driven by “pecuniary interests” rather than the collective will of the party.

“The actions of these political dealers are condemnable and constitute a direct assault on internal democracy,” the communiqué stated.

The group demanded strict adherence to the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act, insisting on the adoption of direct primary elections as the most credible means of candidate selection.

While not entirely ruling out consensus, the stakeholders maintained that such an arrangement must be based on unanimous agreement among stakeholders, written consent of aspirants, and conducted transparently without external interference.

On party discipline, the congress called for immediate sanctions against individuals accused of anti-party activities and gross indiscipline, including expulsion where necessary.

It accused some members of manipulating party processes for personal gain and warned that actions capable of undermining unity and electoral strength would be resisted.

The stakeholders also raised concerns over possible defections of prominent figures, including Teslim Folarin, noting that his exit could significantly weaken the party ahead of the next elections.

They urged the national leadership to take proactive steps to preserve unity and prevent the loss of influential members, stressing that residents of the state still view the APC as a viable alternative to the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde.

On national appointments, the group acknowledged the nomination of Joseph Tegbe as Minister of Power, but advised him to focus on his national responsibilities and avoid actions capable of destabilising the party in the state.

The congress also called for greater inclusiveness in party affairs, urging the leadership to recognise and involve founding members in key decisions.

It criticised what it described as attempts to sideline loyal party members in favour of individuals lacking grassroots support, insisting that candidate selection must be based on merit, competence, acceptability, and electability.

Reaffirming their loyalty to the APC, the stakeholders urged party leaders to act with urgency and sincerity to strengthen internal democracy and ensure unity ahead of the 2027 elections.

Copies of the communiqué were also sent to party leaders, including Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, Chief Iyiola Oladokun, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, Senator Buraimo Yusuff, Senator Femi Lanlehin, and Senator Soji Akanbi.