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who pleaded anonymity, disclosed that 20 aspirants initially expressed interest in the race, but 10 have since withdrawn, leaving another 10 jostling for the ticket.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.
