Oyo APC Grapples with Internal Strife as 2027 Elections Approach
As the 2027 general elections draw nearer, the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is embroiled in significant internal disputes that threaten to undermine its electoral prospects. In a dramatic development, a coalition within the party has issued an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging his immediate intervention to address perceived manipulation and exclusion in party structures.
Ireakari Group Sounds Alarm Over Party Unity
The Ireakari Group, comprising prominent APC members from across Oyo State, has raised serious concerns about the party's direction. In their letter signed by key figures including Chairman 'Debo Adesina, Secretary Ope Adisa, and representatives from Ibadan, Oke-Ogun, Oyo, Ogbomoso, and Ibarapa zones, the group praised Tinubu's role in building the APC into Nigeria's ruling party but warned that Oyo APC requires urgent reforms.
The coalition cautioned that without intervention, the party risks repeating its defeats in the 2019 and 2023 elections. "While Tinubu beyond 2027 is non-negotiable, the Oyo APC cannot afford to be derailed by aspirants whose tactics threaten the party's unity and transparency," the letter stated emphatically.
Call for Presidential Intervention
The group specifically warned that if left unaddressed, the current situation could severely impact Oyo APC's ability to field credible candidates for both zonal and national offices in the upcoming elections. They made a direct appeal to President Tinubu to step in, emphasizing that the party's institutional integrity, transparency, and unity must take precedence over individual ambitions.
The Ireakari Group's intervention highlights growing tensions within the state chapter as different factions position themselves ahead of the crucial 2027 polls.
Party Denies Early Candidate Selection
Meanwhile, the Oyo State APC has moved swiftly to dismiss media reports suggesting it has already settled on a governorship candidate for the 2027 elections. In a statement issued in Ibadan by Publicity Secretary Olawale Sadare, the party described such claims as "false, speculative, and misleading."
The party clarified that it has not commenced any formal process relating to candidate emergence for the 2027 polls and urged members and supporters to remain calm. The APC assured stakeholders that due process and internal democracy would be strictly adhered to when the time comes for candidate selection.
Reaffirmation of Tinubu's Candidacy
In their statement, the Oyo APC also took the opportunity to reaffirm its earlier position that President Bola Tinubu remains the party's sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election. The party urged the public to disregard any reports suggesting otherwise, insisting that such information did not originate from official party channels.
This dual development - the internal factional warning and the party's official denial of early candidate selection - paints a picture of a political organization navigating complex internal dynamics while preparing for crucial electoral contests. The coming months will likely see increased political maneuvering as different groups within Oyo APC seek to influence the party's direction ahead of the 2027 elections.
