Fresh divisions have surfaced within the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as a faction of the party has rejected a reported endorsement linked to a group known as the “Unity Forum,” declaring it invalid and potentially damaging to party unity.
The group, led by Tade Akinjobi, warned that any endorsement not formally approved by the party’s recognised leadership structure should be considered “null and void,” stressing that such actions could weaken the APC’s prospects in the 2027 governorship election.
The controversy stems from claims that the Unity Forum, reportedly associated with Ayoade Adeseun, had endorsed Sharafadeen Alli for the Oyo governorship race. However, Akinjobi’s faction dismissed the move as illegitimate, describing it as an attempt to impose a candidate outside established party processes.
In a strongly worded statement, the group argued that premature endorsements undermine internal democracy and sideline other aspirants who have already purchased nomination forms. It insisted that the party must adhere strictly to due process to avoid alienating members and triggering wider discontent.
The faction also pointed to what it described as the exclusion of other influential blocs within the party, including supporters of former Governor Abiola Ajimobi and allies of Teslim Folarin, warning that such omissions could fuel further discord.
It further cautioned against linking President Bola Tinubu to any endorsement narrative, describing such claims as misleading and capable of escalating tensions within the party.
At the heart of the dispute is the method for selecting the party’s candidate. The Akinjobi-led group reaffirmed its support for direct primaries, describing the process as the most transparent and inclusive. It claimed that a majority of party stakeholders, particularly from Oke-Ogun and Ibarapa zones, favour this approach and deliberately stayed away from the alleged endorsement meeting.
“The party is sitting on a keg of gunpowder,” the statement warned, noting growing frustration among grassroots members over what they perceive as attempts to hijack the process.
Meanwhile, APC ex-officio in the state, Kola Amoo, adopted a more conciliatory stance, acknowledging that individuals may express preferences but emphasising that such endorsements carry no official weight in determining the party’s candidate.
He reiterated that the decision on the mode of primaries reportedly settled on direct primaries remains unchanged.
