Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Egbado South/Ipokia Federal Constituency of Ogun State have raised the alarm over what they described as a desperate attempt by a former Deputy Governor of the state, Alhaja Salimot Badru, to impose a preferred candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, the party leaders and grassroots mobilisers accused Badru of working behind the scenes to foist Dr Oluwatoyin Taiwo on the constituency as the APC’s flagbearer, a move they warned could destabilize the party if not urgently addressed.
The stakeholders described the alleged move as “undemocratic, provocative, and capable of breeding disunity within the party,” stressing that the constituency is home to no fewer than ten credible and qualified aspirants who have shown interest in the race and are committed to following due process.
According to the statement, “It is both surprising and disappointing that at a time when the APC is striving to consolidate its internal democracy, certain individuals are bent on subverting the will of the people through imposition and backdoor arrangements.”
They further alleged that the move reflects a pattern of desperation on the part of Badru, whom they accused of lacking notable achievements during her tenure as deputy governor, and now allegedly seeking to exert undue influence on the political process in the constituency.
The stakeholders did not mince words in expressing concern over what they termed “a troubling disregard for party supremacy and democratic norms,” noting that such actions, if unchecked, could trigger internal crises capable of weakening the APC’s chances in the 2027 polls.
Adding another layer to their grievances, the group claimed that the aspirant being promoted, Dr Taiwo, is still serving as Chief of Staff to the Ogun State Governor, a position they argued places him at an unfair advantage over other contenders.
“We have it on good authority that Dr Taiwo has continued to hold onto his position as Chief of Staff while positioning himself for elective office. This raises serious ethical and legal concerns, particularly in relation to the provisions of the Electoral Act, and suggests a calculated attempt to gain undue advantage,” the statement read.
The stakeholders insisted that all aspirants must be subjected to a level playing field, urging the leadership of the APC at both state and national levels to intervene swiftly to prevent what they described as a looming crisis.
They reaffirmed their commitment to the party and its ideals but warned that any attempt to impose a candidate would be resisted by party faithful in the constituency.
“We remain loyal members of the APC and are fully committed to its success. However, we will not fold our arms and watch a few individuals derail the democratic process. The people of Egbado South/Ipokia deserve the right to freely choose their representative through a transparent and credible process,” they added.
The group also called on Governor Dapo Abiodun and the national leadership of the party to ensure strict adherence to internal democracy, emphasizing that the APC’s strength lies in its ability to accommodate diverse interests through fair competition.
Political observers note that the unfolding development may signal early tensions ahead of the 2027 elections in Ogun State, particularly in constituencies where multiple strong aspirants are already jostling for party tickets.
As the contest gradually gathers momentum, stakeholders insist that preserving unity and fairness within the party will be critical to avoiding fragmentation and ensuring electoral success in the coming general elections.