Some aspirants of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Oyo State have rejected the choice of Adewale Olatunji Murphy as the party’s candidate for the coming Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election.
The aspirants under the aegis of United Ibadan North Federal Constituency Aspirants Forum, told newsmen on Monday in Ibadan, that Murphy was allegedly imposed on them.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the six aspirants present at the conference are Olusegun Olaleye, Saheed Aderounmu, Adekunle Oladeji, Oluyinka Omikunle, Idris Lapade and Khalil Mustapha Repete.
They warned the party’s national leadership to reverse the imposition within 48 hours or face consequences, including internal rebellion and voter apathy during the Aug. 16 by-election.
The aspirants condemned the selection of Murphy without a primary election, threatening fallout if the party’s national leadership fails to urgently address the unfolding crisis.
The aggrieved aspirants described the alleged imposition of Murphy as a breach of democratic norms and party guidelines.
Aderounmu, one of the aspirants, accused the National Working Committee of the party of sidelining due process and opting for a backdoor endorsement of an unpopular candidate.
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They accused the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, of complicity in the alleged imposition, urging him to publicly distance himself to protect his credibility and party unity.
The group said that they have unanimously adopted Khali Mustapha Repete as their consensus candidate, insisting he emerged through transparent consultation with stakeholders and grassroots members in the constituency.
The group cited President Bola Tinubu’s emergence through democratic primaries, they urged the APC leadership to emulate his example and preserve the party’s integrity in Oyo State.
The aspirants reaffirmed their loyalty to APC but vowed to resist any undemocratic decision, insisting that party victory lies in justice, openness, and respect for the people’s choice.
