Avoid Another Defeat in 2027, Oyo APC Leaders Urge National Secretariat

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress in Ibadan North-West and Ibadan South-West Federal Constituencies on Tuesday urged the party’s national leadership to resist the imposition of candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that such a move could result in another electoral defeat.

The call was made during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

A party chieftain, Wale Owu, who read a letter addressed to the National Chairman on behalf of the Apex Leaders Council of the constituencies, stressed the need to adopt direct primaries to allow all party members to participate freely in selecting candidates.

The leaders warned that any attempt to impose candidates could jeopardise the party’s chances in future elections, citing previous experiences in the constituency.

They recalled that the APC suffered defeats in the 2019 and 2023 elections when its candidate, Saheed Fijabi, lost to the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Dhikrulahi Olajide, popularly known as Odidiomo.

They also noted that a similar situation during a by-election in Ibadan North Federal Constituency, where a candidate was allegedly imposed, led to internal divisions and eventual defeat at the polls.

The leaders urged the party’s national leadership to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, which provides for the emergence of candidates through either direct primaries or consensus, warning that consensus must not be used as a guise for imposition.

“The party should adopt direct primaries where all members can participate freely. This is the only way to prevent bitterness, acrimony, and protest votes that could weaken our chances in 2027,” the letter stated.

The group emphasised that openness, fairness, and accountability remain critical to rebuilding trust among party members and ensuring electoral success.

Also speaking, another party chieftain, Lowo Obisesan, stressed that the success of the APC in the constituency depends on fairness and transparency.

“This press briefing is to ensure our national leaders understand that we are ready in this constituency to work for the progress of the party and secure victory in the next general elections.

“The only way this can be achieved is to ensure that no candidate is imposed on the people. Ibadan North-West and Ibadan South-West is a constituency of enlightened people who strongly believe in fairness, equity, and justice. Adhering to due process is key to success at the polls,” he said.

An aspirant in the constituency, Olanrewaju Fasola, also echoed the call, urging party leaders to provide a level playing field for all contestants.

“Our people should be given the opportunity to choose their representatives. This will strengthen democracy within the party and ensure that whoever emerges works in the interest of the people,” he said.

The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the victory of President Bola Tinubu and other APC candidates in 2027, while calling on stakeholders to uphold the principles of internal democracy, fairness, and transparency to avoid divisions and ensure party unity.

Former Secretary to the State Government, Waheed Lajide, was also present at the meeting, alongside other party members and aspirants, signalling broad support for the demand for direct primaries in the constituency.

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