A coalition of aspirants who contested for the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives tickets across federal constituencies in Oyo State has rejected the manner in which candidates were selected, calling on the party’s national leadership to review the process.
This is contained in a communique signed by Hon. Engr. Tunde Bello (ETB), Hon. Engr. Sanusi Ridwan (STRIKAH), Hon. Ibrahim Lasisi (OJASOPE), Hon. Nureni Adesina Abd Salam, Hon. Bakare Nurudeen, Hon. Ganiyat Olawore and Hon. Ishaq Morufat Ajibola (BIBIRE).
The aspirants, after consultations among themselves, their supporters and other party stakeholders, expressed disappointment that transparent and competitive primaries were not conducted, saying names were instead selected and presented under what they described as a “unity list.”
The communique reads thus:
We, the coalition of aspirants who sought the tickets of the All Progressives Congress for the House of Representatives across the federal constituencies of Oyo State, having consulted extensively among ourselves, our supporters and other concerned party stakeholders, hereby issue this communique in the overall interest of our great party.
Our decision to speak collectively arises from our deep commitment to the APC, our respect for its constitution and democratic values, and our desire to ensure that the party enters the 2027 general elections as a united, inclusive and formidable political family.
Our Displeasure with the Candidate Selection Process
We express our profound disappointment over the manner in which candidates for the House of Representatives were selected across the federal constituencies of Oyo State.
As loyal party members, we participated in the process with the legitimate expectation that transparent, credible and competitive primaries would be conducted in accordance with the constitution and guidelines of our party. Regrettably, primaries were not conducted in a manner that allowed aspirants and party members to exercise their democratic rights.
Instead, names were selected and presented under what has been described as a “unity list.” While we recognise the authority and responsibility of party leadership to promote consensus and maintain internal cohesion, genuine unity cannot be achieved through exclusion. A unity arrangement must emerge from broad consultation, mutual consent, fairness and respect for every legitimate stakeholder. It should not be imposed without adequately engaging the aspirants whose commitment, resources and political structures have sustained the party.
The absence of transparent primaries denied aspirants the opportunity to test their popularity before party members. It also left many supporters feeling excluded from a process in which they had invested their trust, time and energy.
Our concern is not based solely on personal political ambition. It concerns the integrity of our party internal democratic process, the confidence of our members and the long-term electoral strength of the APC in Oyo State.
We therefore respectfully call upon the national leadership of our party to review the process, listen to all affected aspirants and establish a credible reconciliation mechanism capable of addressing the concerns arising from the unity list.
The Strategic Importance of the Aspirants
The APC currently operates as the opposition party in Oyo State. Sustaining the party under these circumstances has required courage, sacrifice, organisation and continuous engagement with the people.
Long before the candidate-selection process, the aspirants remained active in their respective constituencies. Through empowerment programmes, educational support, healthcare interventions, youth and women development initiatives, agricultural assistance, community projects and direct support for vulnerable citizens, they helped maintain the visibility and relevance of the APC across the state.
The aspirants have invested considerable personal resources in party mobilisation, membership development, ward-level organisation and voter engagement. They have built relationships with traditional institutions, community leaders, religious organisations, professional associations, youth groups, women organisations, artisans, farmers and other important stakeholders.
Each aspirant commands a network of coordinators, volunteers, supporters and community influencers. Collectively, these political structures constitute a significant part of the party grassroots strength in Oyo State.
The aspirants are, in practical terms, the backbone of the APC in Oyo State. Through sustained grassroots mobilisation, substantial financial support for party activities and the voting strength they command in their respective constituencies, they have kept the party active, visible and competitive.
Their supporters form a critical part of the party electoral base, and their continued participation will be essential to converting the popularity of the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu into votes at the 2027 general elections.
The APC cannot afford to disregard these structures as it prepares for the 2027 general elections. The cooperation of the aspirants and their supporters will be vital to voter mobilisation, campaign coordination, protection of votes and the overall success of the party.
No candidate, irrespective of the circumstances of his or her emergence, can secure victory without the active support of other stakeholders within the constituency. Genuine reconciliation must therefore go beyond ceremonial meetings or public photographs. It must recognise the sacrifices of the aspirants, respect their supporters and create meaningful roles for them in the party campaign and governance plans.
The aspirants are not obstacles to the success of the APC. They are indispensable partners whose experience, grassroots structures and public goodwill can help return the party to a position of strength in Oyo State.
Our Loyalty to the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Notwithstanding our reservations concerning the candidate-selection process, we reaffirm our commitment and loyalty to the All Progressives Congress.
We also reiterate our unwavering support for the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
We remain committed to the success of his administration and the progressive ideals of the APC. We will continue to support programmes and policies directed towards national development, economic recovery, security and improved living conditions for Nigerians.
Our decision to raise these concerns should not be misunderstood as an act of rebellion or disloyalty. Responsible party members have a duty to speak honestly when internal decisions threaten unity, public confidence or electoral success. Silence in the face of genuine grievances would not strengthen the party.
We remain within the APC and are prepared to work for its victory. However, party unity must be built on justice, consultation, mutual respect and sincere reconciliation.
Our Resolutions and Appeal
1. We reject the suggestion that a unity list prepared without adequate consultation can, by itself, represent the collective will of party members and stakeholders across the affected constituencies.
2. We call upon the national leadership of the APC to initiate an impartial review of the candidate-selection process in Oyo State and provide every affected aspirant with a fair opportunity to present his or her concerns.
3. Where the party considers consensus necessary, such consensus should be reached through transparent engagement and the voluntary agreement of the aspirants concerned.
4. We request the establishment of a high-level reconciliation committee comprising respected national and state party leaders who are acceptable to all sides.
5. We urge the party to recognise the investments, grassroots structures and political contributions of all aspirants and integrate them meaningfully into the party strategy for the 2027 elections.
6. We appeal to our supporters across Oyo State to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding while the issues are addressed through the appropriate party channels.
7. We reaffirm our loyalty to the APC and our support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration.
8. We remain willing to engage constructively with the party leadership in pursuit of justice, genuine reconciliation and electoral victory.
Conclusion
The APC has a realistic opportunity to improve its electoral fortunes in Oyo State in 2027, but this opportunity can only be realised through fairness, inclusion and the mobilisation of every genuine stakeholder.
The strength of our party does not rest solely on the names appearing on the ballot. It rests equally on the aspirants, party executives, ward leaders, members, volunteers and supporters whose collective efforts will determine the outcome of the elections.
We therefore appeal to the leadership of our great party to treat the concerns of the aspirants with the seriousness they deserve. Justice and reconciliation at this stage will strengthen the party, restore confidence among members and create the unity required for victory.
We remain loyal. We remain committed. We remain ready to work for the success of the APC and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
However, lasting unity must be founded on justice, fairness, inclusion and respect for the sacrifices of all party stakeholders.
