As conversations continue to dominate the political landscape following the conclusion of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections in Oyo State, party members and supporters have remained divided over claims that certain political tendencies were sidelined in the nomination process.
However, a growing number of party stakeholders insist that the available facts tell a different story, arguing that unity—not factional rivalry—remains the only pathway to electoral victory in 2027.
One of such voices is Chief Akinyemi Alabi of Igbo-Ora, Oyo State, who recently presented what he described as a factual breakdown of the APC's political structure in the state and how candidates emerged across the various federal constituencies and senatorial districts.
According to him, the Oyo State APC has long been built around five major political blocs, each playing significant roles in the party's evolution over the years. These include:
The LAMIST Group, comprising loyalists of the late former Governor Lam Adesina.
The Ajimobi/SENACO Group, under the leadership of Ambassador (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi, widow of the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
The Accord Returnees, largely made up of supporters of Chief Adebayo Adelabu, who returned to the APC after his time in the Accord Party.
The TKF Group, led by former Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Kolawole Folarin.
The Akala Political Dynasty, comprising loyalists of the late former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala.
Chief Alabi argued that despite not belonging directly to any of these established blocs, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli—who currently represents Oyo South Senatorial District—ensured that the interests of the various tendencies were reflected during the nomination process.
He noted that Senator Alli's running mate, Dr. Adedeji, is a respected member of the Ajimobi/SENACO political family, a move many interpret as a deliberate effort to promote internal balance and inclusiveness.
Using the recently concluded APC primaries as an example, Chief Alabi highlighted that Senator Yunus Akintunde, who secured the APC ticket for Oyo Central Senatorial District, has longstanding political roots within the Ajimobi/SENACO structure, having previously served under the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi as Commissioner and Executive Assistant.
He also recalled that until earlier this year, Senator Akintunde was one of the prominent leaders supporting Chief Adebayo Adelabu's governorship ambition before reportedly stepping back following directives from the party leadership, demonstrating, according to him, that multiple interests were accommodated.
Similarly, Mrs. Hanna Ogunesan, the APC senatorial candidate for Oyo North, is widely recognised as a member of the Ajimobi/SENACO political family, while Hon. Aderemi Oseni, who emerged as the APC candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District after serving in the House of Representatives, is also closely associated with the Ajimobi political household, despite maintaining his own ROCOF political identity.
On the House of Representatives nominations, Chief Alabi observed that nine of the fourteen federal lawmakers received automatic return tickets approved by the APC National Working Committee. Since most of these lawmakers originally emerged under the influence of Senator Teslim Folarin's political structure four years ago, he argued that the TKF bloc retained substantial representation within the party.
He further listed the remaining five federal constituencies where fresh candidates emerged, noting that none were exclusively controlled by Senator Alli.
According to him:
Hon. Saheed Adejare Yusuff, representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Iwajowa, is identified with the LAMIST tendency and also enjoys support from Chief Adebayo Adelabu's political family.
The candidature of Hon. Sarafa Olaoniye in Ibarapa Central/Ibarapa North was facilitated through the LAMIST leadership.
The Ido/Ibarapa ticket emerged through the political influence of Hon. Aderemi Oseni.
Farouk Alao's emergence in Ibadan North reflected the TKF political tendency.
Ibrahim Iyiola secured the Ibadan North-East/Ibadan North-West ticket through the support of Chief Adebayo Adelabu's political structure.
Based on these developments, Chief Alabi dismissed allegations suggesting that any single faction hijacked the nomination process or that the APC operated a "winner-takes-all" arrangement.
He argued that aspirants such as Barrister Akeem Agbaje and Dr. Ayo Lam-Adesina, despite pursuing independent ambitions, largely draw their political support from the LAMIST family, just as other aspirants across the state maintain affiliations with one or more of the party's established blocs.
Chief Alabi further maintained that Senator Sharafadeen Alli neither imposed personal loyalists as candidates for the National Assembly nor interfered with the State House of Assembly nomination process. Instead, he claimed the selections reflected broad consultations involving the party's longstanding political tendencies.
As debates continue within the Oyo APC, political observers believe the party's greatest challenge may no longer be candidate selection but post-primary reconciliation. With the 2027 general elections drawing closer, many stakeholders maintain that healing internal divisions, strengthening cooperation among the five political pillars, and presenting a united front will ultimately determine the APC's chances of reclaiming power in Oyo State.
For many party faithful, the central message remains clear: unity, mutual respect, and collective purpose are far more valuable than prolonged factional disputes. If the APC hopes to convince the electorate, party leaders and supporters alike may need to focus less on internal differences and more on building a cohesive platform capable of challenging for victory.
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