As the political season intensifies, youth groups and civil society organisations and constituents in Oluyole Federal Constituency, Oyo State, are calling for a reassessment of the consensus decision reached by the leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC).
The youth groups and constituents are currently protesting the return of the lawmaker representing the federal constituency in the National Assembly to the hallowed chamber.
Protesters who were expressing their grievances in a meeting called by the leadership of the party for House of Assembly and House of Representatives aspirants at the state party secretariat at Oke-Ado, Ibadan, were seeing displaying placards with different inscriptions such as: “We want direct primary”, “No to consensus without adequate process”, “No 3rd term in Oluyole”, “Gbolagade lo kan”, Direct primary is the way out “, “APC must be united”, “APC family must not fall apart” etc.
They are advocating for a more open and competitive primary process that allows multiple candidates to contest fairly.
The lawmaker, Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, is seeking reelection for the third time.
The move has sparked widespread criticisms—particularly among younger political aspirants who argue that the process has sidelined fresh voices and stifled democratic competition.
Speaking on behalf of the constituents, one of the leaders, Mr. Adewale Olanrewaju, said the decision to endorse Sadipe for yet another term was made without adequate consultation or transparency.
They condemned what they described as “imposed consensus arrangement” within the APC.
“These decisions are discouraging for party members and all aspirants who have invested time, resources and hope into contributing meaningfully to governance,” said one of the aggrieved aspirants.
“Democracy thrives on inclusiveness, justice, equity and transparency, not recycling the same leadership repeatedly.”
Sadipe’s potential third term, they argued, raises questions about political succession planning and equitable representation in Oluyole.
The protesters are advocating a balance level plan ground through primary elections for all aspirants for candidates to emerge.
“This style of selection process risks alienating emerging leaders and weakening public trust in the system. It is going to affect the party in the 2027 elections in Oyo state.”
