Aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibadan North Federal Constituency have rejected the purported party primary held ahead of the forthcoming by-election, alleging it was conducted without due process or an official delegates’ congress.
In a communique addressed to the APC National Secretariat in Abuja and made available to journalists on Monday, six of the 10 aspirants described the exercise as illegitimate and unconstitutional. The communique was jointly signed by Olaleye Segun (Ward 11), Lapade Idris (Ward 5), Farouk Arisekola (Ward 5), Adekunle Oladeji (Ward 10), Saheed Aderounmu (Ward 8), and Khalil Mustapha (Ward 5).
The document was also copied to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC National Executive Committee, the National Working Committee (NWC), the Delegates Congress Committee, Oyo State APC Chairman Alhaji Olayide Abas, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other relevant stakeholders.
The aggrieved aspirants expressed concern over the absence of a properly convened delegates’ congress, which they noted is a constitutional requirement for a valid primary election.
They described the conduct of the alleged primary as a clear breach of the party’s electoral guidelines, stressing that any outcome from such a process is null and void. The aspirants called on the APC National Working Committee to ensure internal democracy is upheld and to immediately convene a fresh, transparent, and legally compliant primary.
They further stated that the APC leadership in Ibadan North supports their position and urged the public to disregard any results from the disputed exercise.
While reaffirming their commitment to the party, the aspirants called for fairness and transparency in the upcoming by-election process. They also urged all stakeholders to prioritise justice and internal democracy to restore public confidence and unity within the party in Ibadan North.
