A group of five gubernatorial aspirants from the All Progressives Congress (APC) also called G5 in Oyo State has raised the alarm over what they describe as deepening internal crises threatening the party’s chances ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
In a strongly worded press release issued on Tuesday, the G5, which include Engr. Rauf Aderemi Olaniyan; Musbau Asatola Asanike; Engr. Oyedele Hakeem Alao; Barr. Akeem Agbaje; and Dr. Usman Ololade Bakare, identified as “The Group of Five Aggrieved Governorship Stakeholders,” warned that the Oyo APC is on the “precipice” due to exclusionary tendencies, suppression of dissent, and alleged manipulation of party processes.
The stakeholders claimed that some forces within the party are shielding President Bola Tinubu from the true state of affairs in Oyo State, thereby preventing informed national leadership intervention.
“Our primary concern is that there are forces deliberately shielding President Bola Tinubu from firsthand information on the true state of Oyo APC,” the statement read. “A national leader cannot steer the party correctly when ground realities are censored or fenced against his knowledge.” G5 said.
“We are alarmed that Oyo is on the precipice. The most troubling sign is that some of our party members are already conceding the 2027 governorship to the opposition before a single ballot is even cast. A house that concedes before the contest is a house with a broken foundation. This we should note. Let it resonate and circulate wide that Oyo APC is fast becoming a case study in democratic recession where dissent is treated as disloyalty.” The group stated.
The group expressed dismay that some party members are already conceding the 2027 governorship race to the opposition even before any ballot is cast. They described the situation as a “democratic recession” where internal dissent is being treated as disloyalty.
“What is being presented today as APC in Oyo is a defacement of our identity. It departs from the inclusive democracy, participation, and comradeship that define the APC and its ideology. Instead of building consensus, some opportune ones are building walls. Can they not realize that a party that abandons internal solidarity cannot expect to command external loyalty at the polls? The people, confronted with marginalization, are concluding that they must exercise their freedom of choice with or without the party structure. Mass defection seems looming. We are worried as much as we are warning!” The Group continued.
The stakeholders also criticised what they called a growing reliance on “manipulation, contrivance and institutional compromise” rather than democratic processes, warning that such tactics could lead to a repeat of the party’s previous electoral setbacks in 2018 and 2022.
They stressed that genuine loyalty to President Tinubu should be demonstrated through “probity, discipline, and democratic stewardship” and not through exclusionary practices at the state level.
“We are also worried by the growing reliance on manipulation, contrivance and institutional compromise over the ballot. A party founded on progressive ideals cannot afford to mortgage its future on anti-democratic desperation through shortcuts. If this continues, Oyo APC will face the full regret of failure in 2027. History does not spare those who ignore warning signs. Once the people walk away, no architect of desperation can rebuild the castle.” They warned.
“Let it be clear: loyalty to President Tinubu must be expressed through probity, discipline, and democratic stewardship and not through exploiting his national engagements to run a rudderless and exclusionary agenda in Oyo. Power is ephemeral. No darkness lasts forever. Those reaping where they did not sow in this party and who have been veteran beneficiaries of opportunities should remember that seasons change when the harvests will not be the same.” The Group added.
The group stressed that their concern is not a threat but a patriot call to action so that the same fate that befell the party in 2018 and 2022 that resulted in the dismal outing in the proceeding election years do not repeat itself.
“We remain committed members of this party. This is not a threat, but a patriotic call to action. If democracy fails in Oyo State, it weakens the Southwest and diminishes Nigeria’s democratic example. Truth, like smoke, cannot be blocked forever.
“The rain of shame is gathering just as it did in 2018 and 2022 with the resulting consequences that sent the Party out of Government and dumped into opposition baggage. May it not fall on the APC again. The signs are dawning! However, some people/groups in the Party are more comfortable with the Party loosing again.” They concluded.Tagged Abdulrauf Olaniyan, Akeem Agbaje, Allow Alao, APC, Musbau Asanike, Ololade Bakare, Oyo State