IBADAN, Nigeria — A major internal rebellion has broken out within the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as angry party members in the Oluyole Federal Constituency took to the streets to protest the alleged imposition of a House of Representatives candidate.
The development directly mirrors the brewing national leadership crisis within the party, coming less than 24 hours after President Bola Tinubu issued a stern warning against “do-or-die” internal politics.
Protesters Reject Akande-Sadipe, Back Abiodun
The demonstrators heavily criticized powerful party leaders in Abuja, accusing them of attempting to manipulate the primary process to favor the incumbent lawmaker, Tolulope Akande-Sadipe. The protesters carried placards demanding a transparent, free, and fair primary election rather than an administrative coronation.
The grassroots members declared their alignment behind rival aspirant Gbolagade Abiodun, insisting he is the choice of the local populace. The group warned external party administrators to stop interfering in local constituency politics, chanting slogans that rejected “Abuja politicians.”
Systemic Frustrations and the 2027 Threat
The Oluyole uprising highlights a deeper, systemic crisis within Nigeria’s major political parties, where rank-and-file members increasingly feel that elite leaders predetermine primary winners before ballots are even cast.
Political analysts warn that the Oyo State friction is highly volatile. If the APC national leadership fails to mediate the standoff and enforce a credible voting process, the resulting fallout could severely fracture the state chapter and jeopardize the party’s broader prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Security on Alert for Delayed Primaries
Following the national NWC decision to shift the House of Representatives primary to Saturday, May 16, 2026, security agencies in Oyo State have been placed on high alert. Law enforcement has increased surveillance around party offices in Ibadan to prevent the escalating political tensions from deteriorating into physical violence ahead of tomorrow’s rescheduled vote.
