Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibadan North-West and Ibadan South-West Federal Constituency have demanded direct primaries for all aspirants contesting elective positions within the 2027 normal elections.
Addressing journalists in Ibadan Wednesday, the Apex Leaders Council of the constituency, led by Chief Wale Owu, requested the nationwide management of the occasion to undertake direct primaries for all aspirants contesting elective positions forward of the 2027 normal elections.
Chief Owu whereas studying a letter addressed to the APC nationwide chairman at a stakeholders’ assembly held on April 7, 2026 at NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, declared that there’s the necessity for transparency and inner democracy throughout the occasion.
Chief Owu stated any try and impose candidates might jeopardise APC possibilities in future elections, citing previous experiences within the constituency.
“APC suffered defeats within the 2019 and 2023 elections when its candidate, Saheed Fijabi, misplaced to the Peoples Democratic Occasion, (PDP) candidate.
“The occasion ought to undertake direct primaries the place all members can take part freely. That is the one approach to forestall bitterness, acrimony and protest votes that would weaken our possibilities in 2027.
“This press briefing is about making certain our nationwide leaders perceive that we’re prepared on this constituency to work for the progress of the occasion and safe victory within the subsequent normal elections,” he stated.
He identified {that a} related scenario throughout a bye-election in Ibadan North Federal Constituency, the place a candidate was allegedly imposed, led to inner division and eventual loss on the polls.
Talking additional, Chief Owu urged the occasion’s nationwide management to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, which permits for the emergence of candidates by way of both direct primaries or consensus, warning that consensus should not be used as a guise for imposition.
A chieftain of the occasion, Lowo Obisesan, stated members of the constituency had been ready to ship victory for the APC however insisted that equity should information the method.