Oyo APC hopefuls reject alleged candidate imposition, appeal to Tinubu

Five governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have accused the party leadership of manipulating its ongoing primary process and appealed to President Bola Tinubu to step in, warning that the imposition of candidates could damage the party’s chances of reclaiming the state in 2027.

The aspirants, operating under the banner of the APC G5, made their position known during a press conference at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Iyaganku, Ibadan.

The group comprises former Oyo State Deputy Governor Rauf Olaniyan, Musbau Asanike, Akeem Agbaje, Ololade Usman Bakare and Oyedele Hakeem Alao.

Reading a communiqué on behalf of the group, Alao alleged that the APC leadership in Oyo State undermined democratic principles during the House of Representatives primaries conducted on May 16.

According to the aspirants, the exercise was marred by widespread irregularities, procedural violations and actions that have weakened trust among party members across the state.

They claimed that some aspirants were disqualified without a fair hearing, while party members were intimidated and disenfranchised during the process.

The group also alleged that fabricated results were announced in parts of Oke-Ogun, Ibarapa and Oyo zones, despite reports that elections did not take place in some constituencies.

The aspirants said the outcome of the primaries had triggered widespread dissatisfaction among party faithful in all 33 local government areas, warning that further attempts to impose candidates could deepen divisions within the party.

Citing the Oluyole Federal Constituency primary, the group argued that grassroots members had already demonstrated their resistance to imposed candidates.

They maintained that the APC must avoid repeating the internal mistakes they believe contributed to its defeat in the 2019 and 2023 governorship elections if it hopes to return to power in Oyo State in 2027.

While reaffirming their loyalty to President Tinubu, the aspirants said they would abide by any decision he reaches after consulting stakeholders across the state.

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They urged the president to direct both the national and state leadership of the APC to ensure transparent, credible and inclusive primaries.

The group also called on the party’s National Working Committee to review the House of Representatives primaries conducted in Oyo State and address all petitions arising from the exercise.

Former Deputy Governor Olaniyan said the protest was not intended to attack the party leadership but to safeguard the APC’s chances of returning to power.

He stressed that fairness, inclusiveness and internal democracy remain essential to rebuilding unity and positioning the party for victory in 2027.

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