In a fresh twist in the build-up to the forthcoming House of Representatives bye-election in Ibadan North federal constituency of Oyo state, a coalition of aspirants under the banner of United Ibadan North Federal constituency aspirants forum has raised the alarm over what they termed “a brazen imposition” of a candidate by the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), calling for urgent redress to prevent further crisis and internal disunity within the party.
The aspirants, in a strongly worded communiqué read at a press conference in Ibadan on monday, condemned the alleged imposition of Adewale Olatunji Murphy as the party’s flagbearer without recourse to party guidelines, statutory processes or a democratic primary election. They accused the National Working Committee (NWC), led by former Acting Chairman Ali Bukar Dalori of orchestrating a backdoor arrangement in a brazen disregard to the will of grassroot party members and loyalists in Oyo State.
Reading the statement on behalf of the group, Saheed Aderounmu, one of the aggrieved aspirants noted that the aspirants stand united against the imposition of Adewale Olatunji as the candidate for the forthcoming bye-election in Ibadan North federal constituency of Oyo state.
This act, he said, “is a clear disregard for democratic principles and the rule of law and we categorically reject it.”
The aspirants said they had through a consensus process nominated Hon. Khalil Mustapha Repete, as their preferred candidate. They insisted that his selection followed wide consultation, local popularity and a transparent process driven by the aspirations of party members in the constituency.
They also questioned the involvement of the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, alleging that his perceived support for the imposition casts a shadow on the integrity of the party’s internal democratic process in Oyo State.
“We call on Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the Honourable Minister of Power, to clear his name regarding the imposition of Adewale Olatunji. It is our hope that he would not allow his office to be used as a vehicle of destabilisation in Oyo APC,” the statement continued.
The group issued a 48 hour ultimatum to the party’s national leadership to address the issue or risk the consequences of losing the bye-election due to internal rebellion and voter apathy.
“The people of Ibadan North deserve better. They deserve a fair and transparent process that respects their voice. If this issue is not urgently addressed and the party fails to win, the blame should be placed squarely on the NWC, the Honourable Minister of Power and the relevant stakeholders who allowed this crisis to fester,” the aspirants warned.
They recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu submitted himself to rigorous primaries before emerging as APC’s presidential candidate in 2022, calling on party leaders to emulate such democratic standards.
Initially planning a solidarity rally, the aspirants said they converted the event to a press conference in order to draw the attention of the presidency and key party elders to the looming crisis, with the hope that immediate intervention can still salvage the situation.
“We appreciate the effort of the Oyo APC peace advocates who have waded in to prevent further division in the party. Their commitment to the survival of the APC is commendable and we pray for a truthful, inclusive and harmonious reconciliation process to restore confidence in our party.”
The aspirants reaffirmed their loyalty to the APC but reiterated their stance against any undemocratic practices. They urged the national leadership to uphold justice, fairness and transparency, values which, they argue, form the bedrock of the APC’s ideology.
“We believe that the APC must stand firm on democratic values. The path to victory in Ibadan North lies not in imposition but in consensus, equity and openness. We remain committed to the party, but not at the cost of its soul.”
