Leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have declared that the era of imposing candidates for elective and party positions is over, vowing to uphold internal democracy and ensure free, fair, and transparent primaries ahead of future elections.
The resolution formed part of the communiqué issued at the end of the Oyo APC Leadership Summit, held at Samonda, Ibadan. The event brought together party leaders, elders, and representatives from all 33 local government areas of the state to deliberate on issues affecting the party’s unity, growth, and performance.
In the communiqué jointly signed by the State Chairman, Alhaji Olayide Moshood Abass; State Secretary, Alhaji Tajudeen Olanite; former State Chairman, Chief Akin Oke; Chairman of the Elders Advisory Council, Barrister Iyiola Oladokun; and other prominent figures such as Senator Ayo Adeseun and Brigadier-General (Rtd.) Brimo Yusuff, the party leaders condemned the culture of imposition, describing it as a major cause of internal division.
“We note that the imposition of candidates for elective and party positions is unhealthy for peace, unity, and cohesion within the party,” the statement read.
“We therefore advocate for an all-inclusive, free, fair, and transparent process of electing party candidates and officials without external influences.”
The summit, which reviewed the state of the party from 2022 to date, also focused on issues of discipline, communication, and leadership coordination. The leaders expressed dissatisfaction with what they described as “gross indiscipline” among some party members, including elected officials, whose actions have allegedly undermined party unity.
It stated that they mandated the State Executive Committee, under the leadership of Alhaji Abass, to constitute a Disciplinary Committee to sanction erring members in accordance with the APC constitution.
“It is unfortunate that notable party leaders and even elected office holders are fond of engaging in acts capable of sabotaging the party. The time has come to restore order and discipline within our ranks,” the communiqué stated.
The chieftains also cautioned aspirants who have been promoting factional groups within the party to desist immediately, warning that personal ambition must not override the collective interest of the APC in Oyo State.
“Party interests must take precedence over and above personal interests. Every aspirant floating groups within the party must desist forthwith and concentrate on promoting the party rather than sectional agendas,” they resolved.
The party leaders further expressed concern over the misuse of social media by members to spread misinformation and stir divisions, resolving to introduce measures to regulate online communication regarding party matters.
Acknowledging the absence of a sitting APC governor in the state, the summit also resolved to establish a collegiate leadership structure, comprising two nominees from each of the three senatorial districts to enhance coordination and provide a sense of direction within the party.
On federal appointments, the summit lamented that Oyo State had been “shortchanged” in recent political appointments from the Federal Government, despite its contributions to the APC’s electoral success in 2023. The leaders resolved to make a formal representation to the national leadership to demand fairer inclusion in future appointments.
The communiqué also addressed early campaign activities, warning aspirants against making inflammatory comments or violating INEC’s campaign guidelines.
“We caution aspirants against premature campaigns and inflammatory statements that could deepen divisions within the party or contravene INEC regulations,” the statement added.
The leaders reaffirmed the party’s determination to regain political dominance in Oyo State, strengthen internal unity, and reclaim all elective offices in the 2027 general elections.
“We have resolved to put in place every necessary strategy to win all elections, presidential, governorship, National Assembly, and state legislative seats. Oyo APC must rise again, and it begins with discipline, transparency, and unity,” the communiqué concluded.
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