Oyo APC Crisis: Stakeholders Reject Imposition of Consensus Candidates, Warn of Party Collapse Ahead of 2027 Elections

In a decisive show of resistance, key stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have publicly rejected alleged moves to impose consensus candidates for the 2027 general elections. The group warned that such actions could trigger a catastrophic collapse of the party’s structure in the state, undermining years of grassroots mobilization and political investment.

The warning was issued in a communiqué read at a press conference held at the Otunba Subomi Balogun Hall, University of Ibadan. Participants expressed “deep concern and dissatisfaction” over recent developments within the party, which they described as a direct threat to internal democracy and party cohesion.

Who Are the Stakeholders?

The group included prominent party figures such as Akinleye Olusegun Bishop, Aare Saheed Olayiwola, Adetoyese Akeem Ishola, Asiwaju Adekola Mudashiru, Mogaji Abiola Oyeyemi, Inaolaji Akinloye, Asoludero Banji A Banji, Ojo Oluwaseun, Otunba Femi Awogboro, and Teslim Kunle Tescom, among others. Their collective voice represents a broad cross-section of the party’s base in Oyo State, including ward-level leaders, youth coordinators, and founding members.

Core Demands: Direct Primaries and Transparent Consensus

The stakeholders demanded strict adherence to the APC constitution and the Electoral Act, insisting on the adoption of direct primary elections as the most credible and democratic method for selecting candidates. While they did not entirely rule out the possibility of consensus candidates, they laid out strict conditions:

• Unanimous agreement among all relevant stakeholders
• Written consent from all aspirants
• Transparent processes free from external interference or manipulation

This position reflects a growing frustration among party loyalists who feel that backroom deals and financial inducements have replaced genuine democratic participation. In many Nigerian political parties, consensus has often been used as a tool to sideline popular candidates in favor of those with deeper pockets or stronger connections to the national leadership.

Rejection of May 1 Meeting

The stakeholders specifically rejected a meeting reportedly held on May 1 in Ibadan, declaring it “null, void and unacceptable.” They argued that the gathering did not reflect the will of genuine party members and was driven by “pecuniary interests” rather than the collective good of the party.

“The actions of these political dealers are condemnable and constitute a direct assault on internal democracy,” the communiqué stated.

This language underscores a deeper ideological battle within the APC: between those who view the party as a vehicle for public service and those who treat it as a business enterprise. The stakeholders warned that allowing such elements to dominate would alienate grassroots supporters and weaken the party’s electoral prospects.

Call for Party Discipline and Sanctions

On the issue of party discipline, the congress called for immediate sanctions against individuals accused of anti-party activities and gross indiscipline, including expulsion where necessary. They accused some members of manipulating party processes for personal gain and warned that actions capable of undermining unity and electoral strength would be resisted.

This is a critical point. In Nigerian politics, anti-party activities—such as working against the party’s candidates in elections—are often overlooked in the name of reconciliation. The stakeholders are demanding that the party leadership take a firmer stance to protect the integrity of the APC brand.

Concerns Over Defections: The Teslim Folarin Factor

The stakeholders also raised alarms over possible defections of prominent figures, including Teslim Folarin, a former Senate Leader and the party’s 2023 governorship candidate. They noted that his exit could significantly weaken the party ahead of the next elections, especially given his influence in Oyo Central and among Yoruba political networks.

Defections are a recurring challenge in Nigerian politics, often triggered by internal disputes over candidate selection. The stakeholders urged the national leadership to take proactive steps to preserve unity and prevent the loss of influential members. They stressed that residents of Oyo State still view the APC as a viable alternative to the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, but only if the party can present a united front.

National Appointments: A Word of Caution for Joseph Tegbe

The group acknowledged the nomination of Joseph Tegbe as Minister of Power, but advised him to focus on his national responsibilities and avoid actions capable of destabilizing the party in the state. This is a subtle but significant warning: national appointees often use their positions to influence state-level politics, sometimes exacerbating internal conflicts. The stakeholders are calling for a clear separation of duties.

Inclusiveness and Merit-Based Selection

The congress also called for greater inclusiveness in party affairs, urging the leadership to recognize and involve founding members in key decisions. They criticized what they described as attempts to sideline loyal party members in favor of individuals lacking grassroots support. The stakeholders insisted that candidate selection must be based on merit, competence, acceptability, and electability—not just financial power or political connections.

This demand resonates with broader calls for internal democracy across Nigerian political parties. When candidates are imposed, voter apathy often follows, and the party’s chances of winning elections diminish. By insisting on merit-based selection, the stakeholders are advocating for a more sustainable political model.

Appeal to National Leadership

Copies of the communiqué were sent to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the national leadership of the APC, as well as to party elders including Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, Chief Iyiola Oladokun, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, Senator Buraimo Yusuff, Senator Femi Lanlehin, and Senator Soji Akanbi. The stakeholders urged these leaders to act with urgency and sincerity to strengthen internal democracy and ensure unity ahead of the 2027 elections.

Reaffirming their loyalty to the APC, the stakeholders concluded by warning that if urgent steps are not taken to address internal grievances, the party risks disintegration in Oyo State—a scenario that would benefit the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under Governor Seyi Makinde.

Broader Implications for Nigerian Politics

This conflict in Oyo APC is not an isolated incident. Across Nigeria, political parties are grappling with the tension between internal democracy and the desire for quick, top-down decisions. The outcome of this struggle in Oyo could set a precedent for how the APC handles similar disputes in other states ahead of 2027.

For the APC to remain competitive, it must find a way to balance the interests of national leaders, state-level power brokers, and grassroots members. The stakeholders in Oyo have made their position clear: imposition will not be tolerated, and the party must return to its democratic roots.

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