Governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State have called for justice, transparency, and unity within the party ahead of the 2027 governorship election, warning against the imposition of candidates and money politics.
The communiqué was signed by former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Rauf Aderemi Olaniyan; Adewale Kolapo Kareem; Musbau Asatola Asanike; Akeem Agbaje; Oyedele Hakeem Alao; and Ololade Usman Bakare after a meeting held in Ibadan on Tuesday.
In the communiqué jointly signed by six aspirants, the group said the meeting was convened to address what they described as lingering divisions and painful lessons from the party’s defeat in the 2019 and 2023 elections in Oyo State.
The aspirants pledged loyalty to the APC and expressed support for Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, commending his leadership and administration amid national challenges.
“We pledge our unwavering loyalty to him and his government,” the communiqué stated, while praying for continued strength and wisdom for the president beyond 2027.
The aspirants, however, insisted that while they were open to consensus arrangements, the process must be transparent and democratic.
They warned that any attempt to impose a governorship candidate would be resisted, describing imposition as a betrayal of democracy and a major factor responsible for previous electoral setbacks in the state.
According to them, internal democracy remains the only credible path to rebuilding trust among party members and positioning the APC for victory in the next governorship election.
The aspirants also condemned the use of money and inducement in the political process, saying excessive influence of cash weakens merit and damages the integrity of the party.
“When money speaks louder than merit, the party bleeds and the people suffer,” the communiqué read.
The group urged the leadership of the party at both state and national levels to initiate a genuine reconciliation process aimed at healing divisions within the APC from the ward level upward.
They further called on party members, aspirants, and officials to avoid inflammatory statements, media attacks, and factional politics capable of undermining public confidence in the party.
The aspirants stressed the importance of grassroots mobilization across Ibadan, Ogbomoso, Oyo, Oke-Ogun, and Ibarapa zones, noting that reconnecting with ordinary voters would be critical to the APC’s chances in 2027.
They maintained that only a transparent primary or credible consensus process would unite members after the contest and strengthen the party’s chances of reclaiming the Agodi Government House.
About The Author
