The crisis within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has taken a more troubling dimension following fresh allegations surrounding an alleged assault on party chieftain, Gafar Oyebade, at the APC secretariat in Ibadan. The development has sparked renewed concerns over internal discipline, leadership control, and the widening cracks within the party’s structure in the state.
What initially began as a disagreement over the party structure in Lagelu Local Government Area has now escalated into a full-blown political controversy, drawing reactions from senior party figures and intensifying public scrutiny of the party’s internal affairs.
“It is a big shame” — Chief Sanda reacts
Speaking during a press briefing monitored by Ib connect, APC elder statesman, Chief Timothy Olukunle Sanda, expressed deep disappointment over the alleged incident, describing it as both unfortunate and embarrassing, particularly given the status of those allegedly involved.
“It is not proper for an Honourable, someone people are looking up to—to assault another person,” he said, visibly disturbed.
Chief Sanda further revealed that the meeting where the incident allegedly occurred was expected to be a routine party engagement at the state secretariat, making the outcome even more shocking.
“Oyebade told me he was invited to the secretariat and asked to come alone. I encouraged him to go because I never expected such a thing could happen there. It is a big shame,” he added.
Allegations from Gafar Oyebade
According to earlier accounts, Gafar Oyebade, a known APC stakeholder in Lagelu LGA, alleged that he was physically attacked during a meeting at the party secretariat in Ibadan.
The meeting was reportedly convened to address lingering disputes over the contentious secretary position within the Lagelu party structure. However, what was expected to be a political resolution allegedly degenerated into confrontation.
Oyebade claimed the situation escalated from verbal exchanges into a physical altercation, leaving him injured and requiring medical attention. He further accused Hon. Olafisoye Akinmoyede, popularly known as Lafi and the House of Representatives member representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency, of being responsible for the alleged attack.
The lawmaker, however, has strongly denied the allegation, insisting that no assault took place and dismissing the claims as unfounded.
“Do I have a nurse at home?” — Sanda dismisses claims
As the controversy spread, another layer of claims emerged suggesting that Oyebade received first aid treatment at Chief Sanda’s residence before being taken for further medical care.
Chief Sanda firmly dismissed the claim, describing it as misleading and illogical.
“Some people said Oyebade bandaged his hand in my house—do I have a nurse at home?” he asked pointedly.
He clarified that once the situation was brought to his attention, Oyebade was immediately referred for proper medical attention at a hospital. According to him, both medical and police reports exist to support the claim that an incident indeed occurred.
“There is a hospital report and a police report. These are facts that cannot be ignored,” he stressed.
Calls for investigation and accountability
Chief Sanda has called on relevant authorities and the leadership of the APC to urgently intervene, investigate the matter thoroughly, and ensure that appropriate disciplinary action is taken where necessary.
He warned that failure to address such allegations decisively could further damage the party’s credibility and deepen internal distrust among members.
“This matter must be properly investigated. The right thing must be done,” he stated firmly.
His position reflects growing anxiety within the party over recurring internal disputes and the rising tendency of such disagreements to spill into public controversies.
Lagelu structure and leadership concerns
Beyond the immediate allegations, Chief Sanda also raised broader concerns about the state of the APC structure in Lagelu Local Government Area, describing the situation as unstable and in need of urgent intervention.
He urged the national leadership of the party to step in and restore order, particularly by resolving pending leadership issues affecting the local government chapter.
He specifically called for the immediate swearing-in of the remaining ten local government executives, stressing that delays could further destabilize the party structure.
“The national body must use its authority to correct things and restore order,” he said.
2027 political alignment begins to surface
In a significant political remark that may shape future alignments, Chief Sanda also addressed the issue of representation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Reaffirming what he described as a long-standing understanding of political rotation between Lagelu and Akinyele Local Government Areas, he maintained that the House of Representatives seat is expected to shift.
“Everybody knows it is turn by turn. Lagelu does not have a candidate in 2027,” he declared.
He further insisted that the next representative should emerge from Akinyele Local Government Area, a position that is already expected to generate debate among stakeholders within the party.
Growing unease in Oyo APC
The unfolding controversy has once again exposed the deepening internal tensions within the APC in Oyo State. While the party often projects unity in public, insiders continue to point to factional struggles at the grassroots level, particularly over control of local structures and elective positions.
What happens next?
With conflicting narratives from key stakeholders and increasing public attention, all eyes are now on the party leadership and relevant authorities to establish the truth behind the allegations.
For many observers, the issue goes beyond a single incident—it speaks to the broader question of discipline, leadership credibility, and the future stability of the APC in Oyo State.
Chief Sanda’s intervention has now brought renewed urgency to the matter, signaling that silence from senior party figures is no longer an option.
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