Oyo APC Faces Fresh Crisis as Stakeholders Reject Alleged Plot to Impose Governorship Candidate Ahead of 2027
Oyo APC Faces Fresh Crisis as Stakeholders Reject Alleged Plot to Impose Governorship Candidate Ahead of 2027
Fresh tension has erupted within the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as concerned stakeholders and governorship aspirants warned that the party could face a major political crisis ahead of the 2027 governorship election if any candidate is imposed on members.
The stakeholders cautioned that forcing a consensus candidate on the party may trigger legal battles, internal rebellion, and possible disqualification complications that could ultimately leave the APC without a governorship candidate in the state.
The warning followed recent meetings involving some APC leaders and selected governorship aspirants, which reportedly fueled speculations about attempts to push a consensus arrangement ahead of the party primaries.
According to the concerned stakeholders, the APC must strictly adhere to internal democracy and allow all aspirants to participate in a transparent direct primary process rather than endorsing any preferred aspirant through political imposition.
A statement issued by the Chairman of the Oyo APC Concerned Stakeholders, Dr. Bamidele Atiba, urged the state leadership of the party to avoid actions capable of deepening division within the APC at a critical political period.
The group maintained that the Electoral Act and APC guidelines already provide clear procedures for direct primaries whenever consensus arrangements fail to receive unanimous acceptance among aspirants.
Stakeholders also argued that any attempt to sideline aspirants or manipulate the candidate selection process could weaken the party’s chances against the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State during the 2027 governorship election.
Political observers believe the growing disagreement reflects the increasing struggle for control of the APC structure in Oyo State ahead of the next election cycle.
The development comes amid rising political activities involving major governorship hopefuls within the party, including former governorship candidate and ex-Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who recently declared his governorship ambition and unveiled his “Oyo Rebirth Agenda” focused on economic growth, infrastructure, security, and governance reforms.
Some APC loyalists fear that unresolved internal disputes, factional alignments, and allegations of candidate imposition could further destabilize the opposition party in Oyo State if not properly managed before the primaries.
The stakeholders therefore called on the national leadership of the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure fairness, transparency, and inclusiveness in the process leading to the emergence of the party’s governorship candidate.
Analysts say the outcome of the APC internal crisis may significantly shape the political landscape in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
