Oyo APC Protest Over National Assembly List Grows Party Tension

Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State staged a protest on Tuesday over the party’s National Assembly candidate list, accusing leaders of sidelining grassroots voices and imposing preferred aspirants.

The protest, which took place at the party’s state secretariat in Ibadan, drew a large crowd of aggrieved members, including youth groups and ward representatives. They carried placards demanding fairness and transparency in the selection process.

According to the protesters, the list released by the party leadership did not reflect the outcome of the primaries conducted across constituencies. They alleged that candidates who lost at the primaries were later substituted with the names of individuals loyal to certain political figures.

One of the protesters, a ward chairman from Ogbomosho, said the development undermined the sacrifices of members who participated in the primaries. He insisted that the party must respect the will of its delegates to avoid alienating the grassroots.

Another speaker, a youth leader from Ibadan North, warned that the imposition of candidates could weaken the APC’s chances in the 2027 general elections. He argued that the party risks losing credibility if internal democracy is disregarded.

The protest comes just days after the Oyo APC announced the formation of a reconciliation committee to address grievances arising from the primaries. However, the protesters dismissed the committee as a mere formality, claiming that the leadership had already taken sides.

Party insiders revealed that the controversy stems from the influence of powerful stakeholders who are determined to secure strategic positions in the National Assembly. Analysts say the dispute reflects broader tensions within the APC as it prepares for the 2027 elections.

Observers note that Oyo State has historically played a crucial role in shaping political outcomes in the South-West. Internal divisions within the APC could therefore have wider implications for the party’s national strategy.

The state leadership of the APC has yet to issue an official response to the protest. However, sources close to the party executives hinted that consultations are ongoing to calm frayed nerves and prevent defections.

Political analysts believe the protest highlights the recurring challenge of candidate imposition in Nigerian politics. They argue that unless parties strengthen internal democracy, disputes over candidate lists will continue to fuel unrest and weaken public trust.