Apex leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibadan North-West/ Ibadan South-West Federal Constituency, on Monday urged the party’s national leadership to adopt direct primaries for the selection of candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that failure to do so could result in electoral losses.
The stakeholders made the call in a formal letter addressed to the National Chairman of the party and copied to the National Secretary at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande and others.
The letter was read at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Ibadan.
Present at the conference included Chief Wale Ohu, Engr. Ayo Olatunji, Chief Lowo Obisesan, Mogaji Alabama Bolarinwa, Hon. Tajudeen Balogun, Hon. Rafiu Folarin, Hon. Gbenga Opaleye, and other party stakeholders.
They argued that the adoption of direct primaries would promote transparency, fairness, and unity within the party, while also giving all members a sense of belonging in the candidate selection process.
According to the leaders, past experiences have shown that the imposition of candidates often leads to internal crises, protest votes, and eventual defeat at the polls.
They specifically referenced the party’s losses in the 2019 and 2023 elections in the constituency, where the APC candidate, Saheed Fijabi, was defeated by the Peoples Democratic Party’s Dhikrulahi Stanley Olajide.
The stakeholders also recalled a similar outcome in a bye-election in Ibadan North Federal Constituency, noting that internal divisions arising from candidate imposition contributed significantly to the party’s defeat.
They warned that repeating such practices could jeopardise the APC’s chances in the 2027 elections, stressing the need for the leadership to take proactive steps to prevent a recurrence.
While acknowledging provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 (as amended), which allow for either direct primaries or consensus arrangements, the leaders cautioned against the imposition of candidates without broad-based agreement among party stakeholders.
“As a way forward, we strongly advocate the adoption of direct primaries, which will allow all party members to participate freely in the selection process and ensure transparency,” the group stated.
They added that such an approach would minimise internal conflicts, strengthen party cohesion, and enhance the APC’s electoral prospects.
The leaders reaffirmed their loyalty to the APC and expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to work towards the party’s success in all elections in 2027.
They also emphasised the importance of providing a level playing field for all aspirants, in line with democratic principles of openness, accountability, and fairness.
