It’s important for whoever is a member of All Progressive Congress (APC) in oyo state that so dearly love our party to speak out against any sort of imposition again in 2027 APC primaries in Oyo state because we all need to learn from history and this is a time we need to put all our Arsenals together to avoid been out of government for another 8 years.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State stands at a critical crossroads as the 2027 gubernatorial elections approach. The lessons of past electoral cycles serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of internal discord and undemocratic practices. As the party prepares for the next election, it is imperative that it upholds transparency, fairness, equity and inclusivity in its candidate selection process this time around to safeguard trust , unity and electoral viability.
In both the 2019 and 2023 elections, the APC suffered significant setbacks due to internal crises, primarily fueled by imposition of candidates, misunderstandings, selfish interest , greed and factional disputes. The 2019 elections saw the emergence of factions such as the Unity Group, which, feeling alienated, defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), leading to a divided vote base and an eventual loss of the governorship seat with 33-0. Despite being the incumbent party, APC’s inability to manage its internal affairs resulted in a humiliating defeat. And the candidate in 2019 didn’t treat members that stood to work for him fairly and discarded them because he lack the political acumen to weather the storm.
Similarly, the 2023 elections were marred by allegations of manipulated primaries and the disenfranchisement of delegates. These irregularities led to mass defections of influential party members, including Mogaji Joseph Tegbe, who cited unfair processes as the reason for his departure to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Such discontent weakened the party’s structure and significantly impacted its chances at the polls.
Alarmingly, a fresh crisis looms as the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu allegedly sponsored a release that a meeting was held at the Aso Rock Villa with some Oyo state APC stakeholders and gate keepers where he , Adebayo Adelabu has been given a nod and already been adopted and anointed with as the APC gubernatorial candidate for 2027. This development has heightened tensions and poses a direct threat to the already fragile cohesion that currently exists within the party. If left unaddressed, it could trigger another wave of resentment, discontent, and defections, ultimately jeopardizing the party’s chances of reclaiming Oyo State and even the president chances to win his reelection in Oyo state might be further threatened, though the president don’t seem to have interest in winning Oyo state come 2027 because he already neglected party loyalist that supported and worked for his victory through thick and thin.
Oyo APC to Makinde: Your Plan to Impose a Successor, Dead on Arrival
The APC, both at the state and national levels, must not allow history to repeat itself. The National Working Committee (NWC) of the party must take decisive action to ensure that democratic principles prevail in the selection of the 2027 gubernatorial candidate. A credible, transparent, and all inclusive primary process is non-negotiable. All aspirants must be given a level playing field, and party members must be allowed to exercise their franchise without undue influence or manipulation.
The APC must recognize that Oyo State is a politically sophisticated environment where the electorate values fairness and democratic engagement. Any attempt to impose a candidate, no matter how politically connected, will not only weaken the party internally but also alienate critical segments of the electorate. The APC must rise above parochial interests and embrace true democratic ideals to secure victory in 2027.
The time to act is now. The national party leadership must intervene decisively to dispel rumours, reaffirm its commitment to internal democracy, and ensure that the party fields a candidate who genuinely represents the aspirations of its members and the broader electorate. Anything short of this will be a disservice to the party and its teeming supporters in Oyo State.
Politically Yours
Akinleye Akinkunmi Olusegun Bishop
Bishop of the political Cathedral
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