If Presidential Results Came Out Fast, Why Is Abuja Hiding Oyo APC’s Own?
Oyo APC Primaries: Why Is Abuja Yet to Speak While Tensions Rise Across the State?
The political atmosphere in Oyo State has become increasingly tense following the conclusion of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries, even as questions continue to trail the delay in the official announcement of results from other key party primaries.
What many party faithful and political observers find confusing is the fact that the presidential primary process was conducted after several other internal contests, yet the presidential results were officially announced swiftly, while outcomes from some other primaries are still being treated unofficially amid disputes, petitions, and threats of counteractions from aggrieved camps.
Across Oyo APC political circles, conversations have now shifted from who won to why the national leadership in Abuja is delaying formal pronouncements despite figures already circulating widely among stakeholders and party members.
According to results already being discussed within party structures, Senator Sharafadeen Alli emerged with an overwhelming lead, polling an impressive ninety-one thousand, eight hundred and twenty-four votes (91,824). The result further reinforced his growing political influence within the APC family in Oyo State and confirmed the strength of his grassroots network across several local government areas.
Chief Adebayo Adelabu, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and one of the most recognized political figures in the state, secured seven thousand, five hundred and thirty-two votes (7,532). Senator Fatai Omotayo Buhari followed with six thousand, nine hundred and sixty-three votes (6,963), while Barrister Akeem Agbaje polled one thousand, four hundred and seventy-five votes (1,475). Former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Rauf Remi Olaniyan, recorded nine hundred and ninety-two votes (992).
In total, one hundred and eight thousand, seven hundred and eighty-six votes (108,786) were reportedly cast during the exercise.
However, despite the circulation of these figures among party stakeholders, supporters, and political observers, the silence from Abuja has continued to fuel speculation. Several party members now fear that prolonged delays could deepen internal divisions within the APC ahead of future political battles in the state.
Political analysts believe the delay may not be unconnected to petitions and complaints emerging from different camps after the exercise. In Nigerian party politics, especially within major parties like the APC and PDP, it is not unusual for aggrieved aspirants to challenge delegate lists, voting procedures, accreditation processes, and alleged irregularities after primaries are concluded.
Some insiders within the party structure argue that the national leadership may currently be reviewing reports submitted by electoral panels and appeal committees before making any final declaration. Others believe powerful interests are lobbying behind the scenes in Abuja, hoping for either adjustments, reconciliations, or political negotiations before official announcements are released.
The uncertainty has already started generating political consequences across Oyo State. Supporters of various aspirants have taken to social media and local political gatherings to defend their preferred camps, while accusations and counteraccusations continue to spread.
For many observers, the situation presents another reflection of the larger challenges facing internal party democracy in Nigeria. Over the years, political primaries across several parties have often ended in controversy, court cases, defections, and parallel structures. Oyo State itself has witnessed similar situations in previous election cycles, where unresolved internal disagreements weakened party cohesion ahead of general elections.
Despite the ongoing tension, many APC loyalists are urging the national leadership to act quickly and transparently to prevent avoidable cracks within the party. There are also growing calls for reconciliation among aspirants and stakeholders to ensure the APC does not enter future contests divided.
The emergence of Senator Sharafadeen Alli with such a massive margin, if eventually confirmed officially, would undoubtedly reshape conversations around political dominance and structure within the APC in Oyo State. It would also raise fresh debates about the strength, influence, and grassroots acceptance of other leading political figures within the party.
As Oyo residents and political stakeholders continue to wait for Abuja’s final word, one question remains on everyone’s lips: if the presidential primary could be concluded and announced officially without prolonged delay, why are other results still hanging in uncertainty?
Until the national leadership provides clear answers, the tension, speculation, and political calculations surrounding the Oyo APC primaries are unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
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