Confusion has gripped the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State following the sudden omission of the Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, from the list of cleared aspirants for the Ogun West senatorial primaries.
The development, which came to light just hours before the scheduled voting, has triggered widespread outrage among party members and raised serious concerns regarding internal unity within the state’s ruling party.
Salako-Oyedele, who had openly declared her senatorial ambition, reportedly purchased the expression of interest and nomination forms, and had completed extensive consultations with party leaders, stakeholders, and various interest groups across the five local government areas comprising the Ogun West district.
Her exclusion has left political observers and supporters bewildered. Many have described the incident as unprecedented, warning that it could severely damage public and internal confidence in the party’s democratic processes.
Sources reveal that the Deputy Governor had recently ramped up engagements with political associates and women’s organizations, positioning herself as a formidable contender and the sole prominent female aspirant in the primary race.
Reacting to the development, Desola Jolaogun, a member of the She Leads Advocacy Group, expressed shock over the omission, pointing out Salako-Oyedele’s track record of party loyalty and grassroots engagement.
“It is deeply baffling that a woman who has consistently demonstrated capacity, unalloyed loyalty to the party, and a commitment to grassroots consultation could have her name left off the list at this critical stage,” Jolaogun stated, adding that numerous women within the district had been looking forward to her candidacy.
Supporters maintain that the Deputy Governor fulfilled all mandatory requirements, voicing fears that this setback could heavily demoralize and discourage women from participating in state politics.
The brewing controversy has ignited intense debate across political circles in Ogun State, with members pressuring the APC leadership to clarify the criteria and circumstances that led to the compilation of the disputed list.
Adding a broader perspective, a party chieftain from Ogun East, Otunba Fatai Sowemimo, had previously warned against exclusionary tactics and the imposition of candidates, noting that such actions threaten to fracture the party.
He cautioned that while sidelining loyal stakeholders might not trigger immediate defections, it could foster resentment and silent protests that could ultimately weaken the APC’s overall electoral prospects.
Political analysts have also noted that Ogun State has not produced a female senator since Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello served over two decades ago.
They warn that the current situation could further derail ongoing advocacy for gender inclusion in Nigeria’s political landscape.