Six aspirants contesting the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the forthcoming Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye-election have raised alarm over what they describe as an “unlawful imposition” of a candidate, warning that any failure by the party at the polls should be blamed on the party’s leadership
At a press conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Iyaganku, Ibadan, the aspirants accused former acting National Chairman of the APC, Bukar Dalori, and the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, of orchestrating the selection of Adewale Olatunji as the party’s candidate without conducting a proper primary election.
Spokesperson for the group, Saheed Aderounmu — a former aide to the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi — described the move as a violation of democratic principles and a threat to the party’s internal cohesion. He alleged that the imposition was carried out in contravention of party guidelines and relevant electoral laws.
“The process is flawed and unacceptable,” Aderounmu declared. “We unanimously reject the imposed candidate and have collectively endorsed Hon. Khalil Mustapha Repete as our consensus candidate.”
The group issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the APC National Secretariat to address the controversy and ensure a transparent selection process, warning that failure to do so could jeopardize the party’s chances in the August 16 bye-election.
“We are committed to the values of fairness and democracy. If this issue is not resolved, and the party loses at the polls, the responsibility lies squarely on Minister Adelabu, Bukar Dalori, and the party’s leadership,” Aderounmu stated.
Echoing the sentiments, another aspirant and former Oyo lawmaker, Hon. Olusegun Olaleye, emphasized that their protest was not a personal attack but a defense of electoral integrity.
“Our stand is not against individuals but against irregularities. We are loyal party members demanding a democratic process,” he said.
The group called for urgent reconciliation efforts within the party to avoid internal fractures and ensure a united front ahead of the election.
They concluded by urging APC leaders to emulate President Bola Tinubu’s example of subjecting himself to party primaries, stating, “Democracy must not only be preached but practiced.”
