Oyo 2027: Abiola Demands Direct Primaries, Rejects ‘Consensus’ Plan

A governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Moshood Wasiu Abiola, has called for the adoption of direct primaries in selecting the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 Oyo State governorship election, amid rising tension over alleged moves to impose a consensus candidate.

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Abiola, a leading contender in the race for the Agodi Government House, said only a transparent and grassroots-driven process would strengthen the party’s chances in the general election.

In a statement on Sunday, the aspirant insisted that the APC must avoid any arrangement that excludes the wider party membership from determining its candidate.

“Only a credible and transparent direct primary can guarantee victory for our party in Oyo State. Any attempt to impose a candidate through consensus that does not reflect the will of members will undermine unity and progress,” he said.

The APC in Oyo State has recently witnessed growing political tension among aspirants, with some stakeholders reportedly divided over the preferred mode of primaries.

There have also been concerns over recent exchanges among aspirants, which party members fear could deepen internal rifts ahead of the 2027 polls.

Dr. Abiola further cautioned fellow aspirants against inflammatory remarks, urging them to prioritise unity and party cohesion over personal ambition.

“I appeal to all aspirants to remain civil in their engagements. Our common goal is to win Oyo State for the APC, not to destroy ourselves before the main contest,” he added.

He also urged the party leadership in the state to avoid repeating what he described as past political mistakes, stressing that the strength of the APC lies in its grassroots structure.

“We must reject any arrangement that does not reflect the popular will of our members at the ward level. The people must decide,” he said.

The debate over zoning, consensus-building, and direct primaries is expected to intensify as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.