Leaders of the (APC) in Ibadan NorthWest/ SouthWest Federal Constituency of have rejected alleged imposition of candidates and called for the adoption of direct primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The position was made known during a press briefing held by the Apex Leaders Council of the constituency, where stakeholders raised concerns over the current mode of candidate selection within the party.
The group stressed the need for a more inclusive and transparent process that would allow all party members to participate in electing candidates, noting that direct primaries would boost credibility, strengthen internal democracy, and promote unity within the party.
Reflecting on previous elections, the leaders pointed to the partyโs performance in the 2019 and 2023 polls, where it suffered setbacks in the constituency. They attributed the outcomes largely to challenges associated with candidate selection, which they said may have undermined cohesion and affected overall performance.
They specifically cited the case of Saheed Fijabi, who lost to Dikirullahi Stanley Olajide of the (PDP), describing it as a lesson the party must learn from moving forward.
The stakeholders also recalled a past by-election in Ibadan North Federal Constituency, noting that internal divisions at the time negatively impacted the partyโs chances at the polls.
Speaking on the way forward, prominent party leaders, including Chief Wale Ohu, Chief Lowo Obisesan, and Alhaji Jeleel Agboola, urged the partyโs leadership to adopt direct primaries, emphasizing that it would create a level playing field for aspirants, reduce internal conflicts, and encourage wider participation among members.
In his remarks, Chief Wale Ohu said the party must prioritize fairness and openness if it hopes to regain the confidence of its members and the electorate.
Similarly, Chief Lowo Obisesan noted that imposition of candidates often breeds resentment and weakens party structure, while Alhaji Jeleel Agboola maintained that only a transparent process can guarantee lasting unity within the party.
Speaking on behalf of aspirants, Fasola Olanrewaju underscored the importance of transparency, accountability, and fairness, describing them as critical ingredients for building a stronger and more credible political platform.
The leaders reaffirmed their loyalty to the APC, expressing optimism that with the adoption of direct primaries and improved internal cohesion, the party would record better outcomes in future elections.
They, however, urged the party leadership to give due consideration to their demands in the overall interest of the party in Ibadan and beyond.