The unresolved senatorial primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo has turned Oyo North into the last major battleground in the party’s ongoing senatorial contests across the state.
While the APC has successfully produced candidates for Oyo South and Oyo Central Senatorial Districts, the race for Oyo North remains undecided amid intense political consultations, lobbying and growing tension among party stakeholders.
Investigations by ITV Online reveal that the contest has narrowed to three leading aspirants — former presidential aide Adeolu Akande, APC chieftain Hannah Ogunesan, and retired military officer Gbenga Adegbola.
Party insiders disclosed that efforts to reach a consensus arrangement have so far failed, with competing interests across the Oke-Ogun political bloc and other parts of the district continuing to influence negotiations behind closed doors.
Sources within the party said supporters of Adeolu Akande are relying on his longstanding relationship with the APC hierarchy and his political experience, while loyalists of Hannah Ogunesan are campaigning strongly for increased female representation in the National Assembly.
Backers of Gbenga Adegbola, on the other hand, are projecting the retired military officer as a unifying figure capable of strengthening the party’s electoral chances in the district.
The delay in concluding the primary has reportedly heightened tension among supporters, with concerns growing over the possibility of internal divisions if the process is not carefully managed.
The development comes after businessman Remi Oseni emerged as the APC senatorial candidate for Oyo South, while incumbent senator Yunusi Akintunde secured the ticket for Oyo Central.
Political observers say the outcome of the Oyo North contest could significantly shape the APC’s internal power structure in Oyo State ahead of the next general election, particularly as the district remains strategically important to the party’s electoral calculations.
As of press time, the APC leadership in the state had yet to announce a final date for the completion of the Oyo North senatorial primary.