Oyo APC Leaders Blame Imposition of Candidates for 2023 Election Loss

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have attributed the party’s poor performance in the 2023 general elections to the imposition of candidates and lack of internal democracy.

This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Oyo APC Leadership Summit held on Tuesday in Ibadan.

The communiqué was signed by key party figures including State Chairman Alhaji Olayide Abas, State Secretary Alhaji Tajudeen Olanite, former Chairman Chief Akin Oke, and Chairman of the APC Elders Advisory Council, Chief Iyiola Oladokun, among others.

According to the leaders, future candidate selections and party officer appointments must be “credible, transparent, free, and fair.”

“We observed that imposition of candidates undermined our internal democracy. Henceforth, every process must reflect the will of members,” the communiqué stated.

The APC leaders also warned against the creation of factional political groups within the party, urging aspirants to prioritise unity and party interests above personal ambitions.

They expressed concern over indiscipline among some party members and called for the establishment of a disciplinary committee to sanction erring individuals.

The communiqué also criticised the misuse of social media by party members, describing it as a growing source of internal conflict.

To improve coordination, the leaders recommended forming a collegiate leadership structure with two nominees from each senatorial district.

They further cautioned aspirants against premature campaigning and divisive statements that could breach INEC’s regulations.

Expressing dissatisfaction with what they described as Oyo’s “shortchange” in federal appointments, the leaders called for urgent intervention to address the imbalance.

They pledged renewed efforts toward reclaiming power in future elections and condemned the “terrible state” of the 33 local governments under the current PDP-led administration.

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