Fresh tensions are brewing within the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following a damning press release issued by the APC Justice Group, accusing the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service and key appointee of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Zacheus Adedeji, of orchestrating a controversial political agenda ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its convener, Chief Sanusi Adio, the group alleged that Dr. Adedeji is lobbying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to endorse Senator Sharafadeen Alli as a “consensus candidate” for the party in Oyo State.
The group described the move as “desperate and calculated,” warning that it could undermine party’s unity and weaken the APC’s electoral chances in the state.
“We state without equivocation that this agenda is self-serving, undemocratic, and poses a grave threat to the unity, cohesion, and electoral viability of our great party,” the statement read.
The APC Justice Group,launched a scathing critique of Senator Alli’s political history, accusing him of repeated acts of betrayal and opportunism. It cited his fallout with former Oyo State governor, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, during his time in government.
According to the group, Alli’s actions led to his demotion from Secretary to the State Government to Chief of Staff, and later political decisions allegedly weakened Ladoja’s influence within the state.
“Senator Sharafadeen Alli’s political history is marked by betrayal, inconsistency, and opportunism, and by extension, his performance in the Senate has been “uninspiring and far below expectations.”
The statement further alleged the existence of a clandestine arrangement involving Dr. Adedeji, Senator Alli, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, suggesting a plan to impose Adedeji’s relative, Soji Adedeji, as a deputy governorship candidate.
“This revelation underscores the depth of personal interest driving this agenda and confirms that the entire plot is designed to serve narrow family and political ambitions,” the group claimed.
It warned that such a move could destabilize the APC in Oyo State and was part of a broader long-term ambition tied to a purported 2031 governorship plan.
The group also raised alarm over alleged internal sabotage, claiming that Oba Ladoja is not supportive of Alli’s candidacy and may be aligning with alternative political forces, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
It referenced past political developments, including Ladoja’s reported support for Atiku Abubakar during the 2023 presidential election, as evidence of what it described as a “pattern of double alignment.”
“These developments raise serious concerns and reinforce a troubling pattern of duplicity,” the statement said.
The APC Justice Group urged President Tinubu and national leaders of the party to exercise caution and resist any attempt to impose candidates.
“The APC must never be reduced to a private enterprise controlled by a few individuals pursuing narrow and selfish interests,” the group warned.
It also alleged a coordinated smear campaign against the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and other aspirants, describing it as part of a strategy to sideline credible contenders.
In its concluding remarks, the group issued a direct warning to Dr. Adedeji, “We issue a firm and unequivocal warning to immediately desist from this divisive and self-serving agenda. The future of the APC in Oyo State is non-negotiable.”