Politics
Exclusive: The Power Struggle Within APC to Hold Ibadan North Seat
As the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) prepares to conduct a by-election in the Ibadan North Federal Constituency, fresh details have emerged of internal wrangling within the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the choice of a replacement for the late lawmaker, Hon. Musiliu Olaide Akinremi, popularly known as Jagaban.
An exclusive investigation by Mega Icon Magazine revealed that the lack of consensus among party stakeholders—combined with alleged backdoor manoeuvring—may threaten the party’s chances of retaining the strategically important federal seat.
A senior APC official in the constituency, who pleaded anonymity, disclosed that 20 aspirants initially expressed interest in the race, but 10 have since withdrawn, leaving another 10 jostling for the ticket. However, the selection process has plunged the party into a fresh crisis.
According to the source, although the party publicly announced its intention to adopt a direct primary model, powerful figures within the state and national structures are allegedly working to impose a preferred candidate through what he termed “a manipulated delegate system disguised as direct primaries.”
“This would be a dangerous gamble,” the party chieftain warned. “We are the ones on the ground. If the party imposes a candidate now, it may be too late to reconcile aggrieved aspirants—and the PDP may seize the opportunity.”
He further alleged that some party leaders have financially exploited the process by encouraging multiple aspirants and collecting money from them under false pretences.
“There’s a leader backing at least five aspirants and collecting money from each of them. These men have invested millions. How do you now tell them to step down just weeks to the primary?” he queried.
Another credible source within the APC insisted that the only way forward is to conduct a free and transparent direct primary involving all remaining aspirants.
“Only an open contest can unite the party. This is not the time for manipulation or backdoor deals. The people of Ibadan North deserve to choose,” the source stated.
He also raised concerns about the party’s preparedness, citing the slow pace of mobilisation and campaign activities.
“With less than a month to the poll, the contestants are yet to be screened, and we’ve yet to commence serious grassroots mobilisation. That’s a red flag,” he warned.
Multiple sources agreed that the APC stands a strong chance of retaining the seat but warned that internal disunity could hand the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, an advantage if the process is not handled fairly and transparently.
Top APC figures described the by-election as a litmus test for the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. They argued that the outcome would not only determine the party’s strength in Oyo State but also set the tone for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign and the APC’s bid to reclaim the Agodi Government House.
“The best way to honour the legacy of Hon. Akinremi Jagaban is for the party to remain united and retain the seat he left behind,” a source added.
The Ibadan North Federal Constituency seat became vacant following the sudden death of Hon. Akinremi on July 10, 2025.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to resign immediately, alleging that his recent remarks on state security exposed incompetence and an inability to lead.
Governor Makinde, speaking during his acceptance speech as the Presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Ibadan on Saturday, lamented that he could do little to rescue abducted school children and residents in Oriire Local Government Area due to all security structures being under federal control.
Reacting, APC State Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, described the governor’s comments as “the height of cluelessness, insincerity, and criminal ineptitude,” warning that such disclosures reflect a dangerous trend among parochial leaders.
Sadare said, “Engr. Seyi Makinde could not find any fault in the nation’s Constitution, yet he swore twice to protect lives and properties of Oyo people. He has long enjoyed the powers of his office, controlling resources and people without challenge, but now faces a serious test, exposing incompetence, cluelessness, and ego.”
He added, “Instead of addressing security challenges, Makinde is exploiting the situation to push a mirage he calls a presidential ambition in 2027. His insensitive comments once again reveal hypocrisy. It is time he quit the office of the governor, having admitted he lacks the capacity to secure the state.”
The APC also recalled that previous governors, including Alhaji Lam Adesina, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, and the late Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, operated under the same constitutional provisions without similar security failures. Sadare particularly praised Ajimobi for establishing a Security Trust Fund to ensure funding and stakeholder involvement in security, in contrast to the current administration.
“Makinde’s presidential ambition is dead on arrival. Our concern is the continued loss, deprivation, and mismanagement the people of Oyo may suffer in the remaining year of his tenure. The state deserves a team player, a sincere and humble governor — qualities Makinde has failed to demonstrate in seven years. He should apologise and step down,” Sadare concluded.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday emerged as the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for the 2027 general election following the conclusion of the party’s presidential nomination process.
Makinde emerged through consensus and affirmation by party delegates during the exercise, in what party leaders described as a demonstration of unity and confidence in his leadership ahead of the next general elections.
The governor was presented with his Certificate of Return by the National Chairman of the APM, Alhaji Yusuf Dantali, during a ceremony held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, amid cheers from party faithful, delegates and supporters drawn from different parts of the country.
Speaking during the presentation, Dantali said Makinde possesses the leadership qualities, administrative experience and vision required to steer the country towards sustainable growth and national development.
He urged party members across the federation to close ranks and intensify grassroots mobilisation to ensure victory for the party in the 2027 presidential election.
The APM national chairman maintained that the party remained committed to presenting Nigerians with what he described as a credible alternative capable of addressing the country’s economic, security and governance challenges.
According to him, the emergence of Makinde as the party’s flag bearer marked the beginning of a new political movement aimed at restoring hope and strengthening democratic governance in the country.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Makinde expressed appreciation to the leadership of the party and delegates for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to work with stakeholders across political, ethnic and religious divides to advance the party’s vision for national transformation.
The governor assured party supporters of his commitment to inclusive leadership, promising to prioritise policies that would improve economic prosperity, strengthen institutions and enhance the welfare of Nigerians if elected.
Five key members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have been appointed to the party’s campaign committee for the 2026 governorship re-election of Governor Abiodun Oyebanji in Ekiti State.
The Oyo APC leaders on the list include the party’s governorship candidate, Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, former Senate leader Teslim Folarin, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, Zacch Adedeji, and Remi Oseni.
The list, signed by the party’s National Secretary, Sen. Ajibola Basiru, reflects the APC’s strategy of deploying experienced political figures with strong grassroots networks to ensure a successful re-election campaign in Ekiti.
“These appointments recognise their political experience and commitment to advancing the party’s agenda,” the source within the party said.
The APC committee is expected to coordinate campaign activities, voter engagement, and messaging, positioning the party for a strong showing in the 2026 governorship election.
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