A coalition of youth organisations in Ekiti State has called on Governor Biodun Oyebanji and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure transparent and democratic primary elections ahead of the 2027 general polls.
The groups, represented by David Adegboyega and Tayelolu Ajayi, made the appeal in a joint statement released in Ado Ekiti on Monday. They stressed the need for fairness, inclusiveness, and adherence to democratic principles in selecting candidates for National Assembly positions.
Adegboyega, leader of the People’s Movement, specifically advocated for credible primaries to determine the House of Representatives candidate for Ekiti Central Federal Constituency I. He emphasised that all stakeholders within the constituency, including communities in Ado and Irepodun/Ifelodun local government areas, must be fully represented in the decision-making process.
He also cautioned traditional rulers against involvement in partisan politics, urging them to remain neutral. “Traditional institutions symbolise unity, dignity, and cultural heritage. They must remain strictly apolitical and should never be used as instruments for political advantage,” he said.
The coalition’s concerns follow allegations that certain political actors are attempting to influence traditional authorities to endorse specific aspirants. Adegboyega warned that such actions could undermine democratic values and destabilise the political environment in the state.
He further rejected any attempts to impose candidates, insisting that only transparent and credible primaries would guarantee the APC’s success in the 2027 elections. According to him, “The strength of our democracy lies in the will of the people, not in backroom arrangements.”
Meanwhile, Ajayi, Coordinator of the Ekiti North Progressive Youth Alliance, called for equity in the selection of the senatorial candidate for Ekiti North. He argued that Ikole Local Government Area should be given the opportunity to produce the next senator, noting that the area has not occupied the position since 1999.
Ajayi also criticised the idea of automatic tickets for incumbent lawmakers, describing it as a violation of democratic principles. He warned that such practices discourage competition and deny qualified aspirants the opportunity to serve.
The youth groups collectively urged the APC to adopt direct primaries and maintain a clear separation between traditional institutions and political processes, insisting that credible candidate selection would be crucial to maintaining public trust and ensuring electoral success in 2027.
