Fresh cracks have emerged within the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress following a dramatic press conference jointly addressed by five governorship aspirants, who openly accused some party leaders of intimidation, manipulation, and attempts to impose Senator Sharafadeen Alli as the party’s preferred governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 elections.
The aggrieved aspirants, in a strongly worded address to journalists and party stakeholders, condemned what they described as an “undemocratic process” allegedly being orchestrated by influential figures within the party structure in Oyo State. According to them, the APC risks plunging into a deeper internal crisis if fairness, transparency, and inclusiveness are sacrificed for personal interests and political favoritism.
The controversy follows recent endorsements of Senator Sharafadeen Alli by prominent APC stakeholders and leaders in Oyo State, who publicly declared him as the party’s consensus governorship candidate. Reports indicate that the endorsement was made during high-level meetings involving party elders and influential political figures in Ibadan.
However, the five aspirants insisted that no individual should be imposed on party members under the guise of consensus, stressing that the APC constitution and democratic principles provide clear procedures for primary elections and candidate emergence.
The aspirants warned that any attempt to sideline other contenders through intimidation or political pressure could damage the unity of the party and weaken its chances in the 2027 governorship election. They maintained that Oyo APC members deserve the right to freely choose their candidate through a transparent and credible primary process.
According to the group, several aspirants and loyal party members across the state have allegedly been subjected to subtle threats, political blackmail, and pressure to abandon their ambitions in support of a predetermined candidate. They described the development as dangerous for internal democracy and contrary to the progressive ideals upon which the APC was founded.
The development has generated intense political conversations within Oyo State, especially after reports emerged that some APC leaders claimed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had endorsed Senator Alli’s governorship ambition.
While supporters of Alli have defended the endorsement as part of the party’s traditional consensus-building process, critics argue that consensus should only emerge after consultations involving all stakeholders and aspirants, rather than through declarations perceived to favor one individual.
Senator Sharafadeen Alli, who currently represents Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, remains one of the leading figures in the Oyo APC governorship race. The Ibadan-born politician has enjoyed growing support from sections of the party leadership and political establishment in the state.
Political observers believe the latest protest by the five aspirants signals rising tension within the opposition party as preparations for the 2027 governorship contest gather momentum. Analysts also warn that unresolved internal disputes and allegations of favoritism could create further divisions within the APC if not carefully managed.
The aspirants called on the national leadership of the APC to immediately intervene and ensure a level playing field for all contestants. They further appealed to party members across Oyo State to resist attempts to silence dissenting voices or undermine democratic participation within the party.
They emphasized that their decision to speak publicly was not aimed at causing disunity, but rather to protect the integrity of the party and preserve confidence among loyal APC members who expect fairness and justice in the selection process.
The unfolding situation now places the Oyo APC leadership under increased pressure to clarify its position regarding the alleged consensus arrangement and reassure party faithful that the eventual governorship candidate will emerge through a transparent and acceptable process.
As the political atmosphere in Oyo State continues to heat up, many party supporters and observers are closely watching whether the APC can successfully manage its internal disagreements or risk repeating the factional crises that have affected opposition politics in the state in previous election cycles.
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