Oyo APC Denounces Gubernatorial Candidate Speculation, Urges Public Disregard
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has vehemently refuted recent media reports suggesting that the party has already selected its gubernatorial candidate for the upcoming general election. The party has labelled these publications as speculative, unfounded, and unnecessary, urging its members and the general public to dismiss them entirely.
Reports surfaced on Tuesday in a national newspaper and several online media outlets, claiming that specific individuals had been handpicked as consensus gubernatorial candidates for the APC across Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states. However, these reports notably lacked any details regarding the individuals involved or the rationale behind such purported selections.
In a formal statement released on Wednesday and distributed to journalists in Ibadan by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the Oyo State chapter of the APC called for calm among its constituents. The party reassured stakeholders that the selection of all candidates for the 2027 elections would strictly adhere to constitutional and democratic procedures at the appropriate time.
The party emphasized its commitment to due process and transparency. “For the avoidance of doubt, we have no knowledge of any individual’s ambition as far as the 2027 elections are concerned,” the statement read. “Our party has not started receiving letters of intent from willing contestants because it is not yet time. We are a party that conducts its activities in strict adherence to the rule of law, as specified by the nation’s Constitution, the Electoral Act, as well as the Constitution of our great party.”
The APC stressed that it would not prematurely announce candidates, stating, “We do not put the cart before the horse because we understand the terrain, and we shall not do anything capable of undermining democracy in the land.”
Consequently, the party issued a direct appeal: “Therefore, we urge members of our great party and the general public to disregard the publication in its entirety. The story was the making of its author(s), as it did not emanate from us.”
The party highlighted its adherence to the electoral timetable and guidelines. “INEC has released its guidelines for the 2027 polls, and we are being guided by them,” the statement continued. “The task before us at the moment is the successful completion of the party’s congresses as we prepare for the national convention coming up this weekend in Abuja.”
One key decision that has been finalized, as per the statement, is the endorsement of Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the party’s sole presidential candidate. “The only decision already made is the endorsement of Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu as our sole presidential candidate, and there is no going back on that.”
Looking ahead to the broader candidate selection process for other positions, the Oyo APC affirmed its commitment to fairness and inclusivity. “However, all eligible and competent members of our great party who intend to vie for political office in 2027 will be given an equal chance to pursue their ambition, while we assure the citizenry that our candidates will be those who can serve their best interests and deliver on their campaign promises.” This statement underscores the party’s focus on meritocracy and its dedication to fielding candidates who can effectively represent and serve the people of Oyo State.
