A socio-political group within the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State, Osun West Renaissance Group, has raised concerns over the endorsement of Dr Akin Ogunbiyi as the party’s preferred senatorial candidate for Osun West.
The group in a statement by its spokesperson, Dr Sikiru Ademolekun, warned the leadership of the APC against imposition, noting that such could undermine the party’s electoral prospects.
The statement noted that the credibility of the APC at this critical political moment depends largely on its ability to uphold fairness, equity, and internal democracy, warning that any perception of pre-determination could erode confidence among party faithful and weaken collective resolve across the district.
The group said the endorsement of Ogunbiyi by the APC leaders is capable of creating tension within the party.
It added that the endorsement is premature and inconsistent with the principles of internal democracy, stressing that all aspirants must be given a level playing ground through a credible and transparent primary process.
“At a time when the APC in Osun State requires unity, confidence, and strategic coordination to secure victory, it is unsettling to associate the party’s senatorial ticket with an individual whose public statements appear to undermine its chances,” the statement read.
The group further anchored its position on existing party guidelines, noting that the National Chairman of the APC, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, had earlier outlined clear conditions for the adoption of a consensus candidate, particularly that all aspirants must willingly agree to such an arrangement.
Quoting the guideline, the group stated that “all aspirants must accede to consensus before such an arrangement can be recognised by the party.” It, however, revealed that information at its disposal indicates that no such agreement has been reached among aspirants in the Osun West Senatorial District.
“Available information clearly shows that senatorial aspirants in Osun West have not, at any point, agreed to withdraw from the race or adopt a consensus candidate. On that basis, it is difficult to justify how any aspirant could be validly presented as a consensus choice,” the group asserted.
The group further pointed out what it described as an inconsistency in the party’s approach across the state. It noted that in Osun East and Osun Central Senatorial Districts, where the APC currently has incumbent senators, other aspirants have been allowed to purchase nomination forms and prepare for primary elections without restriction.
Dr Ademolekun stated that Osun West cannot be treated in isolation from other senatorial zones in the state, warning that any deviation from established norms could send wrong signals to party members and supporters.
“Why should Osun West be singled out for a different standard, especially in a district where the party needs to mobilise its full strength to unseat an incumbent? This raises serious questions about fairness and strategic consistency,” the statement added.
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