Ogun APC members protest imposition, demand primaries

Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State have voiced strong opposition to what they describe as attempts to impose candidates for the upcoming 2027 elections. A protest staged at the Governor’s Office in Abeokuta highlighted the dissatisfaction among party faithful in the Ijebu East Local Government Area, who are demanding fairness and adherence to democratic processes. Their primary concern is ensuring that candidates for the House of Representatives and House of Assembly are selected through credible primary elections, rather than through arbitrary decisions.

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We are not here for anything other than fairness. For about 12 years now, the House of Representatives has been occupied by the Ijebu North Local Government. There are indications it may be extended to 16 years. That is not acceptable to us. It is our turn, and that must be respected.

The protesters specifically raised issues of marginalization, alleging that the Ijebu East constituency has been unfairly treated in the allocation of political offices for over a decade. They argue that candidates for the House of Representatives have consistently come from another local government within the constituency, and any extension of this dominance would be unacceptable. This sentiment underscores a broader call for equity and representation within the party's political structure, emphasizing that it is Ijebu East's turn to have its voice represented.

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We lost in the past because candidates were imposed on us. We don’t want a repeat of that. Let the people decide. Let there be primaries where consensus fails, that is the position of the party’s constitution, not imposition.

Speaking during the protest, party members warned that imposing candidates could lead to electoral losses, citing past experiences where such practices alienated voters. They stressed the importance of allowing party members to decide through primaries, as stipulated in the party's constitution, rather than resorting to imposition. The Chief of Staff to the Governor, who responded on behalf of the government, urged calm and assured the protesters that the party operates within established constitutional guidelines, advising them to verify information and engage through official party channels. This situation reflects the ongoing internal democratic struggles within Nigerian political parties as they prepare for future elections.

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I have listened to your concerns, as party members, you should understand that there are established procedures for selecting candidates. The party constitution is clear on this, and decisions are not made arbitrarily.