The political landscape of Oyo State’s chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been thrown into fresh controversy following strong objections by party stakeholders over the ministerial nomination of Joseph Tegbe. Two prominent chieftains, Akeem Adetoyese and Mogaji Abiola Oyeyemi, have openly criticized the decision, describing it as unjust, controversial, and potentially damaging to party unity.
Their reaction comes in the wake of the nomination of Joseph Tegbe by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Minister of Power, a move that is still subject to confirmation by the National Assembly. The nomination followed the resignation of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who stepped down to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, instead of consolidating party strength, the development has triggered internal dissent, with party leaders questioning both the merit and timing of Tegbe’s nomination.
Adetoyese and Oyeyemi, in their strongly worded position, argued that Tegbe’s emergence does not reflect the sacrifices and loyalty of long-standing APC members in the state. According to them, the decision sends a discouraging signal to grassroots supporters and party faithful who remained committed to the APC during its most challenging periods.
They further alleged that Tegbe neither demonstrated sufficient commitment to the party nor contributed meaningfully to its electoral successes in Oyo State. The chieftains claimed that Tegbe distanced himself from the APC at critical moments and even worked against the party’s presidential candidate during the 2023 general elections.
“It is on record that Tegbe did not only contest outside the APC but also worked against the emergence of President Tinubu,” the chieftains stated, insisting that such a history raises serious concerns about his loyalty and credibility within the party structure.
Beyond questions of loyalty, they described the nomination as unfair to dedicated members who remained steadfast through the party’s internal crises and electoral battles. For them, rewarding an individual perceived to have once opposed the party undermines morale and could weaken party cohesion ahead of future elections.
The controversy also reflects deeper cracks within the Oyo APC, which has struggled with internal divisions in recent years. Political analysts note that factional disputes and defections have significantly impacted the party’s performance, particularly during the 2023 gubernatorial election, where internal disagreements weakened its overall strength.
For many observers, the backlash against Tegbe’s nomination is not just about one appointment—it highlights ongoing concerns about party discipline, reward systems, and strategic positioning ahead of the highly anticipated 2027 elections in Oyo State.
Despite the criticisms, the presidency has yet to respond officially to the concerns raised by the Oyo APC chieftains. Tegbe’s nomination remains pending Senate confirmation, which will ultimately determine whether he assumes the ministerial role.
As the situation unfolds, political watchers believe the APC leadership may need to urgently address internal grievances to prevent further divisions. With the stakes already rising ahead of future elections, how the party manages this controversy could significantly influence its chances of reclaiming political dominance in Oyo State.
In the meantime, the debate over Tegbe’s nomination continues to generate conversations across political circles, underscoring the delicate balance between political appointments, loyalty, and party unity in Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape.
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