2027: Oyo APC group rejects consensus candidate
Some stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress 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 made their position known in a communiqué issued at the end of a meeting held at the Otunba Subomi Balogun Hall, University of Ibadan, on Tuesday.
The communiqué was jointly signed by party stakeholders including Akinleye Olusegun, Saheed Olayiwola, Adetoyese Ishola, Adekola Mudashiru, Abiola Oyeyemi, Inaolaji Akinloye, Asoludero Banji, Ojo Oluwaseun, Femi Awogboro and Teslim Kunle, among others.
The development comes amid growing political activities and alignments within the Oyo APC ahead of the 2027 governorship race, with leading aspirants intensifying consultations and mobilising support across the state.
Adebayo Adelabu, former Minister of Power, 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, while addressing party executives at the APC secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, expressed confidence in securing the party’s ticket and winning the election, while rejecting moves to impose a consensus candidate.
He said the visit was aimed at formally notifying the leadership of his ambition and reaffirming his loyalty to the APC and commitment to the development of Oyo State.
His declaration followed recent endorsements of Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Sharafadeen Alli, by some APC leaders as their preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
Reacting to the development, the stakeholders warned that the party risked disintegration if urgent steps were not taken to address internal grievances and uphold democratic principles.
“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” over what it described as recent anti-democratic developments within the party, cautioning that any attempt to sidestep due process could threaten its unity and survival.
The stakeholders specifically distanced themselves from a meeting reportedly held on May 1 in Ibadan and allegedly convened by Senator Ayoade Adeseun and Fatai Ibikunle on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.
“We want to declare the gathering null, void and unacceptable,” they said.
According to them, the meeting did not represent the position of genuine party leaders and was allegedly driven by personal interests rather than the collective will of members.
“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 called for disciplinary measures against members accused of anti-party activities and gross indiscipline, including possible expulsion where necessary.
They urged the national leadership of the APC to take proactive steps to preserve unity within the party and prevent the loss of influential members, stressing that many residents still view the APC as a viable alternative to the Peoples Democratic Party administration led by Governor Seyi Makinde.