Group seeks disqualification of two APC aspirants over dual party membership

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Concerned Elders Forum APC Oluyole Federal Constituency, a political pressure group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, has called on the party’s national leadership to disqualify the member representing Oluyole Federal Constituency, Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, and former federal lawmaker, Olusunbo Olugbemi, from participating in the forthcoming APC primary election.

They disclosed their reservations in a petition dated May 11, 2026, and addressed to the National Chairman of the APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda. The petition was signed by James Adeyemo, Razak Tijani, Olujide Akinlabi and Comrade Adesola Sulaiman, all identified as members of the forum.

The group alleged that both aspirants were involved in dual party membership in violation of the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.

The group claimed that Akande-Sadipe still maintains political ties with the Accord Party despite holding office under the APC platform. It also alleged that several loyalists within her political structure recently moved to the Accord Party under the leadership of the director of her political movement, Samuel Idowu.

According to the petitioners, the development raised concerns among party stakeholders regarding her loyalty to the APC and the future direction of her political camp.

Similarly, the forum also accused former lawmaker Olusunbo Olugbemi of maintaining links with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after leaving the APC following the party’s 2019 primary election. The petition recalled that Olugbemi contested the House of Representatives election under the ADC platform and alleged that he had not fully reintegrated into the APC structure despite participating in party activities.

The group argued that allowing aspirants allegedly associated with other political parties to contest in the APC primary could create legal and political complications capable of affecting the party’s chances in future elections.

It therefore urged the APC leadership to investigate the allegations and take disciplinary action where necessary.