Video: APC crisis deepens in Oyo as members protest alleged imposition of candidate
APC Members Protest Candidate Imposition in Oyo State
By Adeola Badru
IBADAN, Oyo State — Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Oluyole Federal Constituency gathered in significant numbers on Thursday to protest the alleged imposition of a candidate ahead of the upcoming House of Representatives primary election.
The demonstrators assembled at the APC state secretariat in Oke Ado to express their grievances regarding the situation. They accused certain party leaders in Oyo State of attempting to impose the incumbent representative, Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, despite claims of her indifference to the constituency’s needs.
During the protest, some members voiced their belief that the constituents had collectively chosen Gbolagade Abiodun as their preferred candidate. They argued that Abiodun had consistently supported the community, particularly during Times when Sadipe was said to have distanced herself from local affairs.
Protesters expressed their astonishment at reports suggesting that Sadipe was favored by a select group of influential leaders, claiming that her previous neglect of the area and her legislative duties made her an unsuitable candidate. They emphasized that the party’s leadership had overlooked the sentiments of the majority of APC members within Oluyole.
While affirming their loyalty to the party’s leadership, the protesters insisted they would support only a candidate selected by the community, as opposed to one allegedly dictated by external political influences.
“We expect all aspirants to partake in a transparent and democratic process,” one protester stated. “The election should not be treated as a ‘do-or-die affair.’”
The demonstrators carried placards urging the party leadership to prioritize internal democracy and respect the collective wishes of constituents in Oluyole Federal Constituency.
The protest underscored the ongoing tensions within the APC as members call for adherence to democratic principles in candidate selection ahead of the primary elections.
