Leaders of the All Progressives Congress in Ibadan North-West and Ibadan South-West Federal Constituency have called on the national leadership of the party to adopt direct primaries for all aspirants contesting elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The demand was contained in a letter addressed to the National Chairman of the APC and read during a stakeholders’ meeting held on April 7, 2026 at NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku.
The letter, presented on behalf of the Apex Leaders Council of the constituency by Chief Wale Owu, emphasised the need for transparency and internal democracy within the party.
The leaders warned that any attempt to impose candidates could jeopardise the party’s chances in future elections, citing past experiences in the constituency.
They recalled that the APC suffered defeats in the 2019 and 2023 elections when its candidate, Saheed Fijabi, lost to the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Dhikrulahi Stanley Olajide, popularly known as Odidiomo.
According to the leaders, a similar situation during a bye-election in Ibadan North Federal Constituency, where a candidate was allegedly imposed, led to internal division and eventual loss at the polls.
They urged the party’s national leadership to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, which allows for the emergence of candidates through either direct primaries or consensus, warning that consensus must not be used as a guise for imposition.
“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 letter stated.
The group emphasised that openness, fairness, and accountability remain critical to rebuilding trust among party members and ensuring electoral success.
Speaking at the event, a chieftain of the party, Barrister Lowo Obisesan, said members of the constituency were prepared to deliver victory for the APC but insisted that fairness must guide the process.
“This press briefing is about ensuring 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,” he said.
Obisesan stressed that imposing candidates would undermine the party’s chances, adding that only a transparent process would guarantee success.
“The only way this can be achieved is to ensure that no imposition of candidates is made on the people. Ibadan North-West and South-West is a constituency of enlightened people who believe strongly in fairness, equity and justice,” he added.
He further noted that adherence to due process and party guidelines from the national headquarters would strengthen unity and improve electoral outcomes.
“As long as we do what is right and follow what is directed from the national headquarters in line with our conscience, success at the polls is assured,” he said.
Also speaking, an aspirant in the constituency, Olanrewaju Fasola, called on party leaders to allow members decide who represents them, urging stakeholders to avoid promoting personal interests over collective goals.
Fasola noted that providing a level playing field for aspirants would encourage credible candidates to emerge and enhance party cohesion ahead of the elections.
“Our people should be given the opportunity to choose their representatives. This will strengthen democracy within the party and ensure that whoever emerges works in the interest of the people,” he said.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the success of the APC in the 2027 general elections, pledging support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other party candidates.
They also called on stakeholders at all levels to uphold the principles of fairness and internal democracy in the interest of the party’s unity and electoral victory.
Among those present at the meeting was a former Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Waheed Lajide, among others
