Oyo APC members kick against consensus arrangement, push for direct primaries

By Adejayan Gbenga

Tension erupted on Thursday at the Oyo State secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibadan as some party members staged a protest over an alleged imposition of candidates ahead of the forthcoming primaries.

The aggrieved members accused the party’s leadership of abandoning internal democracy, alleging that some aspirants were being selected through a non-transparent process instead of a fair contest.

They claimed that the wishes of grassroots members were being ignored in favour of decisions influenced by a few powerful individuals within the party structure.

The protesters, who carried placards with different inscriptions, demanded a credible and inclusive primary election process. Some of the inscriptions read: “Say No to Imposition,” “Direct Primary is the Answer,” and “Primary is the Way.”

They also called for the adoption of direct primaries for all elective positions, including governorship, national assembly, and state assembly seats, insisting it would strengthen fairness and unity within the party.

The protest was led by Ajibola Akeem from Egbeda Local Government and Biodun Adeoye from Ibadan South East Local Government. The protesters warned that continued reliance on consensus or indirect selection methods could weaken its chances in future elections.

They stressed that their demand was not against the party’s leadership but aimed at ensuring transparency, fairness, and wider participation in the selection of candidates.

Security operatives were seen around the party secretariat as the protest continued peacefully, while party officials are yet to respond to the allegations.