Leaders of the All Progressives Congress in Ibadan North-West and Ibadan South-West Federal Constituencies of Oyo State have cautioned the party’s national leadership against imposing candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party chieftains, who issued the warning on Tuesday, said any attempt to sidestep due process could lead to another electoral setback for the party.
The position was made known during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Press Centre in Iyaganku, Ibadan.
Speaking on behalf of the Apex Leaders Council of the constituencies, a party stalwart, Wale Owu, read a letter addressed to the National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, urging the leadership to adopt direct primaries for the selection of candidates.
According to the leaders, allowing all party members to participate in the nomination process would promote transparency and strengthen internal democracy.
They warned that the imposition of candidates had previously contributed to the party’s poor outings in elections within the constituency.
The stakeholders recalled that the APC lost the 2019 and 2023 elections, as its candidate, Saheed Fijabi, was defeated by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dhikrulahi Olajide.
They also cited a by-election in Ibadan North Federal Constituency, where alleged imposition of a candidate reportedly triggered internal divisions and eventual defeat at the polls.
The leaders urged the national leadership to comply strictly with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, noting that while consensus candidacy is permissible, it must not be manipulated to favour selected individuals.
“The adoption of direct primaries remains the most credible means of ensuring inclusiveness and preventing grievances that often lead to protest votes,” the letter stated.
They stressed that transparency, fairness, and accountability are vital to rebuilding confidence among party members and enhancing the party’s electoral chances.
Also speaking, a chieftain of the party, Lowo Obisesan, emphasised that the success of the APC in the constituency hinges on equity and adherence to due process.
He said the stakeholders were committed to working for the party’s victory but insisted that only a transparent selection process would guarantee success at the polls.
An aspirant in the constituency, Olanrewaju Fasola, also called for a level playing field, urging party leaders to allow members to freely choose their representatives.
He noted that such an approach would not only strengthen internal democracy but also ensure that elected candidates remain accountable to the people.
The leaders reaffirmed their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other APC candidates in the 2027 elections, while urging stakeholders to prioritise unity and fairness to avoid internal divisions.
Former Secretary to the State Government, Waheed Lajide, and other party members were also present at the meeting, signalling broad backing for the call for direct primaries.
