Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oluyole Federal Constituency staged a protest Thursday against what they described as the imposition of a candidate ahead of the party’s House of Representatives primary election.
The protesters, who stormed the APC state secretariat in Oke Ado, Ibadan, carried placards and chanted slogans demanding transparency in the selection process. “We will not accept a candidate forced on us,” said one protester, Adewale Ogunleye. “Delegates must be allowed to choose freely. Anything else is injustice.” Another member, Funke Adetunji, added: “We have worked hard for this party. We deserve fairness, not imposition.”
Party officials at the secretariat urged calm, insisting that the leadership remains committed to credible primaries. “The APC in Oyo State will ensure a level playing field for all aspirants,” said a spokesperson. “We encourage members to trust the process and avoid actions that could divide the party.”
The protest reflects wider tensions within the APC in Oyo State, where internal rivalries have often shaped candidate selection. Analysts say the incident highlights the challenge of balancing grassroots demands with party leadership decisions. “Candidate imposition has been a recurring issue in Nigerian politics,” noted Dr. Funmi Adebayo, a political scientist at the University of Ibadan. “It undermines internal democracy and can weaken party cohesion.”
Rival parties were quick to respond. A spokesperson for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State described the protest as evidence of “deep cracks within the APC,” arguing that voters are watching how the ruling party manages its internal disputes.
The implications for the upcoming primaries are significant. If grievances remain unresolved, analysts warn that disaffected members could withdraw support or defect, weakening APC’s chances in the general election. “Unity is critical,” said political commentator Ibrahim Musa. “Without it, the APC risks losing ground in constituencies where loyalty is already fragile.”
