By, Adebowale Gbolahan
Tensions appear to be rising within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, as concerns grow over the role of Senator Teslim Folarin in what some party stakeholders describe as renewed internal divisions within the party.
Sources within the party allege that the former gubernatorial candidate has vowed that several current members of the House of Representatives from the state will not return to the National Assembly in the next election cycle, deepening fears of factional conflict at a time when the party is trying to consolidate unity ahead of the 2027 political season.
Alleged Targeting of Four Lawmakers
According to insiders familiar with the development, Senator Folarin is said to have privately expressed determination to stop the re-election of four APC lawmakers:1. Hon. Lafisoye Akinmoyede: representing Lagelu/Akinyele Federal Constituency 2. Hon. Akeem Adeyemi (Skimeh): representing Afijio/Atiba/Oyo East/Oyo West Federal Constituency 3. Hon. Tajudeen Abisodun (Were): representing Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West Federal Constituency 4. Hon. Akin Alabi: representing Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency
Party insiders claim the lawmakers’ perceived offense was aligning early with the political direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and endorsing the Minister of Power, Oloye Bayo Adelabu, as a potential governorship candidate for Oyo State.
Alleged Political Retaliation
Sources say the four lawmakers are now viewed by the senator as political adversaries within the party, particularly because their endorsement signaled support for a gubernatorial direction that differs from Folarin’s own political ambitions.
Despite the apparent presidential support around Adelabu’s potential candidacy, Senator Folarin is believed to remain interested in contesting the governorship again, setting the stage for possible internal rivalry.
One source within the party claimed that Folarin has told close aides and political associates that he would ensure the lawmakers do not secure APC tickets for re-election, reportedly stressing that he would make certain that “especially that Akin Alabi” does not return to the House of Representatives.
Presidential Intervention
However, party insiders also indicate that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Senator Folarin to exercise restraint, warning against actions that could undermine the fragile unity recently rebuilt within the Oyo State chapter of the APC.
The intervention reportedly came amid growing concern among party leaders that renewed internal battles could weaken the APC’s chances of reclaiming the governorship in the state.
Questions Over Party Role
Political observers also note that Senator Folarin currently serves as the Renewed Hope Ambassador for Oyo State, a role meant to promote the president’s agenda and strengthen party cohesion across the state.
Critics argue that this position places a responsibility on him to support broadly accepted candidates and maintain party harmony, rather than deepen factional divides.
A Test for Party Unity
With the 2027 political cycle slowly approaching, many APC stakeholders in Oyo State are calling for discipline, unity, and respect for the party’s collective interests.
They warn that internal rivalries and political vendettas could jeopardize the APC’s chances of returning to power in the state, especially at a time when the party is working to rebuild its grassroots structure.
Whether the party leadership will successfully manage the emerging tensions remains to be seen, but the situation has already sparked intense discussions among party members about loyalty, ambition, and the future direction of the APC in Oyo State.
Adebowale Gbolahan writes from Ibadan