Five governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have raised concerns over the conduct of the party’s House of Representatives primary elections, alleging widespread intimidation, arbitrary disqualifications, fabricated results and imposition of candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The aspirants, who met at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Press Centre in Ibadan on Monday, warned that the current trajectory of the party could undermine its chances in the 2027 governorship and legislative elections if urgent corrective measures were not taken.
The communiqué was jointly signed by former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Rauf Olaniyan, Prince Musbau Asanike, Akeem Agbaje, Dr. Ololade Usman Bakare and Engr. Oyedele Hakeem Alao.
The aspirants alleged that the House of Representatives primary election conducted on May 16 across parts of the state was characterised by “systemic irregularities, procedural violations, and a palpable erosion of trust among the rank and file of the party.”
According to them, several constituencies witnessed intimidation and disenfranchisement of party members, while some aspirants were allegedly disqualified without due process or the opportunity for appeal.
They claimed that in constituencies including Akinyele/Lagelu, party loyalists were sidelined, creating what they described as deep anger and disillusionment among grassroots members.
The group further alleged that in some zones, particularly Oke-Ogun, Ibarapa and Oyo, election results were allegedly announced in areas where no voting exercise took place.
“We condemn in the strongest terms the incidents in Oke-Ogun, Ibarapa, and Oyo zones, where no election took place, yet results were manufactured and announced in favour of predetermined candidates,” the communiqué stated.
The aspirants also cited the outcome of the Oluyole Federal Constituency primary as evidence that grassroots members would resist imposed candidates regardless of elite endorsements.
They warned that the party risked deepening internal divisions and electoral setbacks if it failed to embrace internal democracy and transparent processes.
While rejecting what they described as compromised direct primaries, the governorship hopefuls said they were not opposed to a transparent consensus arrangement.
They stated that consensus remained their preferred option, provided it reflected broad consultations and the collective will of party members.
The aspirants reaffirmed their loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as the national leader of the party, and pledged to abide by any decision reached after due consultations with stakeholders.
“As loyal members of the APC, we hold that the voice of our leader and President is final in matters of party direction. Whoever he picks, after due consultation and consideration with leaders and stakeholders across the state, will be our resolve,” they said.
The group appealed to President Tinubu to intervene and direct both the national and state leadership of the APC to ensure free, fair and credible primaries in Oyo State.
They also called on the party’s National Working Committee to review all petitions arising from the House of Representatives primaries, including alleged illegal disqualifications and fabricated results.
The aspirants urged the Oyo APC leadership to embrace reconciliation, justice and equity, warning that continued imposition and exclusion could trigger defections and weaken the party’s electoral prospects.
“The APC in Oyo State stands at a critical crossroads. The choice before us is stark: either we return to the path of internal democracy, inclusiveness, and fairness, or we continue on a trajectory that guarantees division, disillusionment, and electoral loss in 2027,” the communiqué added.
Packaged by Adekunle Adegboyega
