…Says Candidates Must Emerge Through Transparent Process
…Directs State Exco to Set Up Disciplinary Committee
…Condemns Poor State of 33 Local Governments Under Makinde
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has vowed to put an end to what it described as the culture of imposition and favoritism that undermined the party’s unity and electoral strength in the 2023 general elections.
This position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Oyo APC Leadership Summit held on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, in Ibadan. The document was signed by prominent party figures, including the State Chairman, Alhaji Olayide Abass; former State Chairman, Chief Akin Oke; Chairman of the APC Elders Advisory Council, Barr. Iyiola Oladokun; Senator Ayo Adeseun; Brig.-Gen. (Rtd) Brimo Yusuff; Alhaji Tajudeen Olanite; Alhaji Adisa Gbayawu; and Chief Timothy Alarape Jolaoso.
According to the communiqué, the leaders unanimously agreed that the era of handpicking candidates and party officers must give way to a transparent, credible, and fair selection process.
“We note that the imposition of candidates and officers has been a major cause of our failure in past elections. Henceforth, all processes leading to the emergence of candidates must be credible, transparent, free and fair,” the statement read.
The party leadership also raised concerns over the proliferation of political groups being sponsored by some aspirants within the APC, describing it as a source of division and disunity.
“The activities of aspirants floating and nurturing groups are causing divisions within the party. Henceforth, aspirants must desist from such actions and focus on promoting the collective interest of the APC above personal ambitions,” the communiqué added.
The leaders equally expressed worry over what they called “gross indiscipline” within the party ranks, noting that even some elected officials were guilty of acts that sabotaged party unity.
“To address this, they directed the State Executive, under Alhaji Olayide Abass, to immediately set up a Disciplinary Committee empowered to sanction erring members in line with the APC Constitution.
On the use of social media, the communiqué cautioned members against using online platforms to spread misinformation or engage in divisive exchanges. It noted that unregulated social media activities had become a tool for deepening internal cracks within the party.
The leaders also observed the absence of a central coordinating authority in the absence of a sitting governor from the APC in Oyo State.
“They therefore resolved to create a collegiate leadership structure consisting of two nominees from each of the three senatorial districts to serve as a rallying point for coordination and decision-making.
The communiqué further cautioned aspirants against engaging in premature campaigns or making inflammatory statements, reminding them that such actions contravene the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines.
“We urge all aspirants to exercise restraint and respect the timelines and guidelines of INEC. Campaigns at this stage are premature and capable of creating unnecessary friction within the party,” it stated.
The summit also expressed dissatisfaction with the perceived marginalization of Oyo APC in federal appointments, despite what it described as the state’s significant contribution to the party’s success in the 2023 elections. The leaders resolved to make a strong representation to the national leadership to correct the imbalance.
In its closing remarks, the summit reaffirmed the APC’s determination to reclaim Oyo State and perform strongly in all future elections, from the presidential to local government levels.
“We condemn in strong terms the deplorable condition of the 33 local government councils under the present PDP administration. The people of Oyo deserve better governance and accountability,” the statement concluded.
The meeting drew participants from across the 33 local government areas of the state, marking what party elders described as a renewed effort to rebuild internal cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections.