Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibadan North-West and Ibadan South-West Federal Constituencies have called on the party’s national secretariat to reject any imposition of candidates for the 2027 general elections, warning that such a move would lead to another crushing defeat at the polls.
The appeal was made at a stakeholders’ meeting held on yesterday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan. A party chieftain, Wale Owu, read a strongly worded letter to the National Chairman on behalf of the Apex Leaders Council of the two constituencies.
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He demanded the adoption of direct primaries to allow every party member to participate freely in choosing candidates.
The leaders recalled the APC’s painful losses in the constituency in both 2019 and 2023, when its candidate, Saheed Fijabi, was defeated by the Peoples Democratic Party’s Dhikrulahi Olajide, popularly known as Odidiomo.
They also cited a recent by-election in Ibadan North Federal Constituency, where the alleged imposition of a candidate triggered internal divisions and ultimately cost the party victory.
“Any attempt to impose candidates could jeopardise the party’s chances in future elections,” the letter stated. “The party should adopt direct primaries where all members can participate freely. This is the only way to prevent bitterness, acrimony, and protest votes that could weaken our chances in 2027.”
The group stressed that the Electoral Act 2022 permits candidates to emerge through direct primaries or genuine consensus, but warned that consensus must never be used as a cover for imposition.
Another chieftain, Lowo Obisesan, told the gathering: “This press briefing is to ensure our national leaders understand that we are ready in this constituency to work for the progress of the party and secure victory in the next general elections. Ibadan North-West and Ibadan South-West is a constituency of enlightened people who strongly believe in fairness, equity, and justice.”
An aspirant, Olanrewaju Fasola, echoed the call for a level playing field. “Our people should be given the opportunity to choose their representatives.
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“This will strengthen democracy within the party and ensure that whoever emerges works in the interest of the people,” he said.
Former Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Waheed Lajide, was among the senior figures present, signalling broad support for the demand.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the re-election of President Bola Tinubu and all APC candidates, but insisted that internal democracy, fairness and transparency were essential to avoid past mistakes and guarantee victory in 2027.
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