Five governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have rejected the outcome of the House of Representatives primary election conducted on May 16, 2026, describing the exercise as fraudulent, divisive and contrary to democratic principles.
The aspirants, in a communiqué issued on May 18 after consultations with party leaders, stakeholders and members across the 33 local government areas of the state, alleged that the primaries were marred by intimidation, disenfranchisement, arbitrary disqualifications and fabrication of results in some constituencies.
According to the communiqué, the exercise, which was expected to strengthen democratic participation within the party, instead triggered widespread anger and loss of confidence among members.
The governorship hopefuls accused some party leaders of allegedly using threats, intimidation and exclusion to prevent eligible members from participating in the direct primary election process.
“In several federal constituencies, duly registered party members were prevented from exercising their franchise through threats, physical assault and outright expulsion from voting venues,” the communiqué stated.
They further alleged that some aspirants were disqualified without being granted fair hearing or access to an appeal process, contrary to the provisions of the APC constitution.
The aggrieved aspirants also claimed that the mood across several constituencies, including Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency, reflected deep frustration among party faithful over alleged imposition of candidates and disregard for existing agreements within the party structure.
Citing the Oluyole Federal Constituency primary as an example, the aspirants argued that grassroots members rejected what they described as an imposed candidate despite backing from influential figures within the party.
The communiqué also alleged that election results were fabricated in some areas of Oke-Ogun, Ibarapa and Oyo zones where, according to them, no actual election took place.
“We condemn in the strongest terms incidents where no election was held, yet results were manufactured and announced in favour of predetermined candidates,” the statement added.
The aspirants warned that the alleged irregularities could threaten the APC’s chances in the 2027 general elections if urgent corrective measures were not taken.
According to them, the continued use of imposition and disregard for internal democracy could lead to disunity, voter apathy, defections and eventual electoral defeat.
They therefore called on the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC to urgently intervene by reviewing the conduct of the primaries and addressing all petitions arising from the exercise.
The governorship aspirants also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure that future primaries in Oyo State are conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner.
While acknowledging what they described as the President’s preference for Barrister Sarafa Alli as APC governorship candidate, they urged the President to ensure a level playing field for all aspirants.
They maintained that where consensus arrangements fail, transparent and credible primary elections should be conducted in accordance with the Electoral Act and the APC constitution.
The aspirants reaffirmed their commitment to the APC but warned that they would not remain silent while internal democracy within the party was allegedly being undermined.
They called on the Oyo APC leadership to embrace reconciliation, fairness and justice in order to preserve party unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
