Notable leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibadan North-West and Ibadan South-West Federal Constituency, Oyo State have openly rejected consensus candidates, and called for inclusive primaries to avoid weakening the party ahead 2027 poll.
The APC leaders wrote a petition to the national leadership, urging to threat the request with utmost attention to prevent the party fron internal crisis that might lead to loses in the forth coming general election.
They unanimously charged the national Secretariat of the party to adopt direct primaries for all elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that any attempt to impose candidates could jeopardise the party’s chances at the polls.
The leaders, under the aegis of the APC Apex Leaders Council in the constituency, made their position known in a letter dated April 1, 2026, and addressed to the party’s National Chairman in Abuja, read by Chief Wale ohu on Tuesday at a Press Conference, held at the Aderogba Hall, Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ) , Iyaganku, Ibadan .
The correspondence was also copied to the National Secretary, stressed the need for internal democracy, transparency, and inclusiveness in the process of selecting candidates, citing provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 (Nigeria), the stakeholders acknowledged that candidates for the 2027 elections could emerge either through direct primaries or consensus arrangements.
However, they maintained that any consensus option must reflect genuine agreement among aspirants and party stakeholders, warning that imposition without broad support could lead to internal crises and electoral setbacks.
The group recalled past experiences within the constituency, noting that the party suffered defeats in both the 2019 and 2023 general elections following the emergence of what they described as imposed candidates. In those elections, APC candidate Saheed Fijabi lost to Dhikrullahi Stanley Olajide of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
They also referenced the Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election, where internal divisions arising from candidate imposition allegedly weakened the party and contributed to its loss at the polls.
According to the leaders, these experiences underscore the risks associated with sidelining party members in the selection process. They warned that repeating such approaches could result in “bitterness, acrimony and bad blood,” as well as protest votes that may undermine the party’s electoral fortunes.
To avoid what they described as “impending doom,” the stakeholders urged the national leadership to strictly adhere to direct primaries, allowing all registered party members to participate freely in the selection of candidates.
They argued that such an approach would not only strengthen internal cohesion but also enhance the credibility of the party, while ensuring a level playing field for all aspirants in line with the principles of fairness, equity, and natural justice.
Reaffirming their commitment to the success of the party, the leaders pledged support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other APC candidates in 2027, expressing confidence that transparent processes would position the party for victory across all levels.
They concluded by urging the party leadership to act decisively in safeguarding unity within the APC, emphasizing that the adoption of direct primaries remains the most viable path to avoiding internal divisions and securing electoral success.
