Fresh tension is brewing within the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as stakeholders and governorship aspirants warned against the imposition of candidates ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The party members cautioned that any attempt to force aspirants into a consensus arrangement could trigger internal crisis and possible legal battles capable of jeopardising the APC’s chances in the election.
The warning followed increasing controversy surrounding moves to adopt a consensus governorship candidate for the party in the state.
Speaking on behalf of concerned APC stakeholders, Dr. Bamidele Atiba urged the state APC Chairman, Chief Moses Adeyemo, to avoid actions that could deepen divisions within the party.
According to Atiba, the Electoral Act and APC guidelines clearly provide for direct primaries where consensus fails, stressing that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently supported democratic processes within the ruling party.
He described a recent stakeholders’ meeting held in Abuja on May 8 as “a show of shame,” claiming that less than one per cent of the governorship aspirants were invited.
Atiba maintained that President Tinubu was not aware of the alleged “sponsored meeting” and insisted that the wishes of party members should take precedence over personal interests.
He also warned that forcing consensus on aspirants could lead to court cases that might ultimately leave the APC without a governorship candidate in the state.
Despite the controversy, governorship aspirant Senator Sharafadeen Alli declared his readiness to participate in the APC primary election ahead of the 2027 governorship poll.
This came as party leaders and stakeholders formally adopted Alli as the APC consensus governorship candidate during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Emeritus Professor Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.
Addressing party members at the gathering attended by Senator Ayo Adeseun, Hon. Remi Oseni and other APC chieftains, Alli expressed confidence in emerging as the party’s candidate either through direct primaries or affirmation.
“With the support of party leaders and members across the state, I am confident of clinching the APC ticket either through primaries or affirmation,” Alli said.
He noted that his camp was not afraid of participating in direct primaries if the party leadership eventually opted for that process.
“What matters most to us is the unity of the APC in Oyo State. We are fully prepared if the party decides to conduct primaries,” he added.
Alli also appealed to his supporters to remain peaceful and continue mobilising support for the APC ahead of the elections.
The senator assured residents of his commitment to delivering good governance and ensuring that party members and citizens enjoy the dividends of democracy if elected governor.
Several party leaders at the meeting openly endorsed Alli’s candidacy and described him as the best candidate to lead the APC to victory in Oyo State.
Senator Ayo Adeseun urged party members to support Alli, expressing confidence that he would emerge victorious even if direct primaries were conducted.
Also speaking, Pa Alarape Jolaoso said the adoption of Alli followed the long-standing tradition of progressive politics where party elders and stakeholders reach consensus on candidates.
Jolaoso further claimed that President Tinubu had endorsed Alli as the preferred consensus candidate for the APC in Oyo State.
APC chieftain Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle stated that recent developments had vindicated party leaders who earlier disclosed Tinubu’s support for Alli’s emergence.
Other stakeholders at the event, including Senator Brimoh Yusuff, Aderemi Oseni, Segun Taiwo and Sola Ogunbode, described Alli as a loyal and committed party member capable of leading the APC to victory in 2027.
The meeting was attended by several APC leaders and stakeholders from across Oyo State, including former lawmakers, local government leaders and party executives.
