Oyo APC Governorship Race: Fatai Buhari Backs Direct Primaries, Rejects Consensus Candidate
Oyo APC Governorship Race: Fatai Buhari Backs Direct Primaries, Rejects Consensus Candidate
Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, one of the governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, has declared support for direct primaries ahead of the party’s governorship election process, insisting that only a transparent contest can produce a credible candidate for the party.
Buhari, who represents Oyo North Senatorial District in the Senate, made the declaration during a meeting with the Oyo APC executive led by the state chairman, Moses Adeyemo, at the party secretariat in Ibadan.
The senator expressed confidence in the party leadership, stating that the APC possesses the integrity and democratic structure needed to conduct free, fair and credible primaries. According to him, any aspirant unwilling to participate in an open contest may not be suitable to fly the party’s flag in the governorship election.
His comments followed recent developments within the party over moves to adopt a consensus arrangement for the governorship ticket. Buhari maintained that direct primaries remain the best option to strengthen unity and legitimacy within the party.
Earlier, Adeyemo had disclosed that the party might adopt direct primaries in areas where consensus could not be achieved, including the governorship race. He assured party members that the APC would ensure fairness and transparency throughout the process.
As part of his support for the party structure, Buhari pledged to provide solar-powered lighting and computer systems for the APC secretariat. He also donated financial support to the state chapter and members of the party executive.
The development comes amid growing political realignments within the Oyo APC, with several aspirants reportedly opposing attempts to impose a consensus candidate ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
