Five governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have strongly opposed what they describe as a growing attempt within the party to adopt a consensus arrangement ahead of the 2027 governorship election. Speaking during a joint press briefing, the aspirants expressed concern that the process being discussed within certain party circles may not reflect fairness, inclusiveness, or internal democracy.
Demand for Transparent Primary
The aspirants insisted that the governorship ticket should be determined through a transparent and competitive primary election rather than an imposed or pre-decided arrangement. They specifically pushed back against reports suggesting that some party stakeholders are backing Senator Sharafadeen Alli as a consensus candidate. While not opposing his aspiration directly, they argued that elevating any candidate without a proper electoral process could create division within the party and weaken its chances in the general election.
Rooted in Democratic Competition
According to them, the APC's strength has always been rooted in democratic competition, and any attempt to sideline other aspirants could lead to internal mistrust and disunity as the 2027 elections approach. They further called on the national leadership of the party to step in and ensure a level playing field for all contestants, stressing that only a fair primary can produce a truly popular candidate capable of representing the party in the governorship race.
Party officials in Oyo State are yet to issue an official response to the concerns raised.
