Scores of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency of Oyo State on Tuesday staged a peaceful protest at the party secretariat in Ibadan, demanding strict adherence to the existing rotational arrangement for political representation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The protesters, who carried placards with messages such as “No Going Back, It’s Akinyele’s Turn,” “Imposition Leads to Failure,” and “Let’s Make Peace,” urged the party leadership to respect the zoning formula in selecting its House of Representatives candidate.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Abdul-Akeem Mosafejo, Fausat Ajibade, and Taofeek Kasali said the protest was triggered by alleged moves to impose a candidate from Lagelu Local Government Area, contrary to what they described as a long-standing agreement.
Mosafejo explained that the rotational arrangement has been in place since 1999, ensuring that representation alternates between Akinyele and Lagelu every electoral cycle.
He insisted that it is currently Akinyele’s turn, warning that any deviation from the agreement could trigger internal crisis within the party.
Ajibade also cautioned that imposing a candidate could affect APC’s electoral fortunes in 2027, stressing that members prefer the continuation of the existing zoning structure rather than a consensus imposition.
Kasali added that Akinyele had consistently supported Lagelu over the years and should now be allowed to produce the next candidate in line with the arrangement.
In response, the APC State Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, appealed for calm, urging party members to remain united and assuring them that leadership would look into their concerns.
He emphasized the importance of cooperation between both local government areas for the party’s success in the upcoming elections.
Meanwhile, several aspirants from Akinyele Local Government, in a formal letter addressed to the state APC chairman, Moses Adeyemo, reaffirmed their demand for strict compliance with the rotational principle.
The letter, signed by multiple aspirants, stated that Akinyele is due to produce the party’s candidate for the constituency based on the established zoning arrangement.
They warned that any attempt to alter the agreement could undermine internal trust and weaken grassroots support ahead of the 2027 elections.
The aspirants urged the party leadership to clarify its position on the matter, stressing that adherence to internal agreements would strengthen unity and improve the party’s chances at the polls.
