Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibadan North-West/South-West Federal Constituency have called on the party’s national leadership to adopt direct primaries for the selection of candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a letter dated April 1, 2026, and addressed to the National Chairman of the APC at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, the group, under the aegis of the APC Apex Leaders Council in the constituency, described their request as a “passionate plea” aimed at ensuring transparency, fairness, and unity within the party.
The leaders stressed that adopting direct primaries would allow all party members to participate in the selection process without hindrance, thereby strengthening internal democracy and reducing the imposition of candidates.
According to the letter, the group expressed concern over past electoral outcomes, where the party had suffered setbacks in previous elections due to the imposition of candidates.
They cited the 2019 and 2023 elections, where the APC candidate in the constituency was defeated by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as well as a recent by-election in Ibadan North Federal Constituency which they said ended unfavourably for the party due to internal divisions.
The leaders, also, argued that imposing candidates without broad consensus often leads to disaffection among party members, voter apathy, and eventual electoral losses.
They therefore, warned that repeating such practices ahead of the 2027 elections could jeopardise the party’s chances.
While acknowledging provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 (as amended), which allows for either direct primaries or consensus arrangements, the group maintained that consensus should only be adopted where it genuinely reflects the collective will of aspirants and stakeholders.
“As critical stakeholders, we believe that conducting direct primaries remains the most credible way to ensure fairness, inclusiveness, and equal opportunity for all aspirants,” the letter stated.
The group further emphasised that transparent primaries would help prevent internal crises, reduce acrimony, and foster unity within the party ranks.
Reaffirming their loyalty to the APC, the leaders, however, declared their commitment to securing victory for the party in the 2027 general elections, including the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other APC candidates.
They urged the national leadership to act proactively by instituting a transparent and participatory process that would give all aspirants a level playing field.
Copies of the letter were also sent to key party officials, including the National Secretary, National Vice Chairman (South-West), National Deputy Auditor, and the Oyo State Chairman of the APC, as well as prominent party leaders in the South-West.
The appeal adds to growing calls within the party for reforms aimed at strengthening internal democracy ahead of the next electoral cycle.
