An aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming Ekiti State governorship election, Abimbola Olawunmi, has accused the party of imposing the incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on the state. The allegation comes amid growing political tension within the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
In an interview with Arise Television, Olawunmi criticised the party’s primary process, describing it as fundamentally flawed. He insisted that he would not support Oyebanji’s candidacy for a second term.
Akahi News gathered that Olawunmi stated:
“If the process that made Gov. Oyebanji the APC candidate for 2027 had been fair, I could support him. However, since the process is fundamentally flawed, I cannot offer my support.”
Contesting the Legitimacy of the Primaries
Olawunmi questioned the legitimacy of the APC primaries in Ekiti State, asserting that the selection of the incumbent governor did not reflect the wishes of the party’s grassroots members. He argued that imposing a candidate undermines the democratic principles of the party and could jeopardise the party’s chances in the general election.
Akahi News reports that Olawunmi further emphasised:
“The people of Ekiti State have made it clear that they do not intend to vote for him in the upcoming gubernatorial election. If he lacked the confidence to contest fairly in the primaries, how does he expect to win the general election?”
Political analysts cited by Akahi News suggest that Olawunmi’s claims may resonate with APC members who feel marginalised, potentially creating fissures within the party ahead of the polls.
Implications for APC’s Electoral Prospects
The controversy surrounding the primary process could affect APC’s electoral prospects in Ekiti State. Observers note that internal disagreements and perceived imposition of candidates often lead to defections or voter apathy, which could advantage opposition parties.
According to Akahi News, experts have warned that failing to address these internal disputes may undermine party cohesion and hamper campaign efforts in the lead-up to the election.
Reactions Within the Party
While Olawunmi’s comments have stirred debate, party insiders reportedly maintain that Oyebanji’s candidacy enjoys broad support within the APC leadership. Nevertheless, Akahi News notes that dissatisfaction among aspirants like Olawunmi may lead to public criticism and legal challenges if grievances are not adequately addressed.
The situation also highlights the challenge of balancing leadership endorsements with internal democracy in Nigerian political parties. Analysts cited by Akahi News argue that transparent primary processes are essential for maintaining credibility among voters and preventing fragmentation.
Ekiti Voters’ Perspective
Residents of Ekiti State have expressed mixed reactions to Olawunmi’s claims. Some citizens support calls for fair primaries, while others emphasise party loyalty and continuity. Akahi News reports that the electorate is closely monitoring the party’s internal processes, signalling that grassroots sentiments may significantly influence the general election outcome.
As the 2027 Ekiti State governorship election approaches, the APC faces pressure to manage internal disagreements and present a united front. Akahi News underscores that resolving these disputes amicably will be critical in ensuring electoral success and maintaining party credibility in the state.
Observers suggest that the coming weeks will determine whether aspirants like Olawunmi remain within the party fold or take their grievances public, potentially impacting voter perception and engagement.
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By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
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