APC Oyo Secretariat Protested Over Direct Primary Demand

Supporters of former Oyo State Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, gathered on Thursday outside the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat in Ibadan to demand that the party adopt direct primaries for selecting its gubernatorial candidate.

The demonstrators, many wearing red and white APC colors, chanted slogans calling for a transparent and inclusive selection process. They argued that a direct primary, where all registered party members vote, would be more democratic than the indirect or consensus methods traditionally used by the party in the state.

Adelabu, who resigned from his ministerial post last month, announced his intention to run for the Oyo governorship in the upcoming election cycle. His resignation was framed as a move to “fully commit” to the campaign, and he formally declared his candidacy on 12 May.

The protest came as the APC’s leadership in Oyo State convened a stakeholders’ meeting at the Emeritus Professor Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, University College Hospital, Ibadan. At that gathering, party officials reaffirmed Senator Sharafadeen Alli as the consensus candidate for the governorship. The consensus approach, which bypasses a full primary in favour of a negotiated selection among party elites, has been a point of contention among rank‑and‑file members who feel excluded from the decision‑making process.

The tension between the two factions underscores a broader debate within Nigeria’s dominant parties over internal democracy. Proponents of direct primaries argue that the method curtails intra‑party intrigue and bolsters credibility with the electorate, while opponents caution that it can exacerbate factionalism and weaken party cohesion ahead of general elections.

APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, who was not present at the protest, later issued a statement urging calm and emphasizing the party’s commitment to “fair and credible” internal elections. He indicated that the national leadership would monitor the situation closely and engage with state officials to resolve any grievances.

Political analysts note that the outcome of the APC’s candidate selection in Oyo State could have ripple effects across the southwest, where the party vies with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and smaller regional formations for control. The state, a former stronghold of the APC, has seen increasing competition in recent cycles, and a contested primary could either energise the base or fracture it.

As the APC moves toward its definitive timetable for primaries, observers will watch how the party balances the demand for broader participation with the strategic need for unity. The protest highlights the growing assertiveness of party members seeking a more open selection process, a trend that could reshape internal politics in Oyo and beyond.

The next scheduled APC meeting in the state is set for the end of the month, where officials are expected to outline the final mechanism for nominating the governorship candidate. Stakeholders and supporters alike will be keen to see whether direct primaries become the chosen path or if the consensus model remains in place.