…Say direct primaries, the only credible option

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, a coalition of party stakeholders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, on Tuesday, rejected alleged moves in some quarters to impose candidates through a consensus arrangement, saying such a strategy could trigger a crisis and weaken the party’s electoral chances.

According to the stakeholders drawn from major blocs within the party, only transparent direct primaries would guarantee fairness, restore confidence, and preserve unity ahead of the polls.

Dwelling on a communiqué issued after a press briefing held at the Otunba Subomi Balogun Hall, University of Ibadan, the group expressed “deep concern and dissatisfaction” over what it described as recent anti-democratic developments within the party, cautioning that any attempt to bypass due process could threaten its cohesion and survival.

The communique specifically disowned a meeting reportedly held on May 1, 2026,   in Ibadan, allegedly convened by Senator Ayoade Adeseun and Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, declaring the gathering as “null, void and unacceptable.”

According to the stakeholders, the meeting did not represent the position of genuine party leaders and was driven by “pecuniary interests” rather than the collective will of members.

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

In the communiqué signed by several stakeholders across party factions, including Bishop Akinleye Olusegun, Aare Olayiwola Saheed, Adetoyese Akeem Ishola, Asiwaju Mudashiru, Mogaji Abiola Oyeyemi, and Inaoand laji Akinloye, the group therefore demanded the adoption of direct primaries for all elective positions, describing the process as the most credible means of ensuring inclusiveness and legitimacy.

While not entirely ruling out consensus arrangements, the stakeholders stressed that such must be based on unanimous agreement, written consent of aspirants, and full transparency without external interference.

As at the time of filing this report, the following gubernatorial aspirants have obtained Expression of Interest forms: Sen. Sarafadeen Alli, Oloye Bayo Adelabu (ex-Power Minister); Dr Driwa Gbadegesin, Barr Akeem Agbaje, Mr Mrem Alao (a.k.a. Allow Alao); Engr. Rauf Olaniyan (ex-Deputy Governor); Mr Mrkola Kolapo Kareem, and Dr Drbami Lam-Adesina (late Gov. Lam Adesina’s first Son).

Senator Teslim Folarin (fmr. Majority Leader), Adebayo Shittu (ex-Communications Minister), and  Senator Fatai Bihari (Oyo North), who have also indicated interest, have, however, not obtained their forms.

Speaking at the briefing, a stakeholder, Adetoyese Akeem Ishola, dismissed claims linking President Bola Tinubu to any imposition agenda, saying, “Mr President is a democrat.

Many aspirants are already warming up. Let everyone go to the field to test their popularity so that the best candidate can emerge. They are lying against the President, and the lie cannot stand,” he said.