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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Elections & Politics

2027: Oyo APC group rejects consensus candidate

From The Punch · (4m ago) English Critical tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Stakeholders in Nigeria's All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have rejected alleged attempts to impose consensus candidates for the 2027 general elections.
  • They warned that such actions could destabilize the party's structure and called for direct primary elections to ensure credible candidate selection.
  • The development occurs as political aspirants, including former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, intensify consultations and declare their governorship ambitions.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State is facing internal turmoil as a faction of stakeholders has vociferously rejected any moves to impose consensus candidates for the upcoming 2027 general elections. This group, meeting at the Otunba Subomi Balogun Hall, University of Ibadan, issued a stern warning that such undemocratic practices could fracture the party's foundation in the state. Their communiqué, signed by prominent party figures, emphasized a demand for strict adherence to the party's constitution and the Electoral Act, advocating for direct primary elections as the most legitimate method for selecting candidates.

The actions of those behind it are condemnable and constitute a direct assault on internal democracy.

— Oyo APC StakeholdersIn a communiqué issued after a meeting, stakeholders condemned alleged moves to impose consensus candidates.

This internal dissent surfaces amidst a flurry of political activities and strategic realignments within the Oyo APC. Several leading aspirants are actively consulting and mobilizing support for the 2027 governorship race. Notably, former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has formally declared his intention to contest, expressing confidence in securing the party's ticket and winning the election. His declaration, however, comes after some APC leaders had already endorsed Senator Sharafadeen Alli as their preferred candidate, highlighting the deepening divisions within the party.

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.

— Oyo APC StakeholdersThe stakeholders outlined their demands for candidate selection processes within the party.

The stakeholders expressed profound concern and dissatisfaction with what they termed recent anti-democratic developments, cautioning that bypassing due process could jeopardize the party's unity and very survival. They specifically disassociated themselves from a purported meeting on May 1 in Ibadan, allegedly convened by Senator Ayoade Adeseun and Fatai Ibikunle on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, declaring it 'null, void and unacceptable.' This internal conflict underscores a critical juncture for the Oyo APC, where the path forward hinges on navigating these internal grievances and upholding democratic principles to avert a potential party collapse.

We want to declare the gathering null, void and unacceptable.

— Oyo APC StakeholdersThe stakeholders rejected a specific meeting allegedly held on May 1 in Ibadan.
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Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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