The All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Ibadan North by-election has descended into crisis, following widespread allegations of manipulation, violence, and imposition of candidates.
Held on Sunday under tight security, the exercise was anything but peaceful, as no fewer than nine aspirants rejected the outcome, calling it a “fraudulent charade” hijacked by vested interests.
Tensions flared when Idris Lapade, a former chairman of Ibadan North Local Government and a major contender, was allegedly assaulted during a confrontation over the alleged doctoring of delegates’ lists. Eyewitnesses at the venue told report that Lapade was struck with a substance suspected to be a local charm and collapsed in pain before being rushed to the hospital.
“It was a shameful sight. We expected a peaceful contest, but instead it turned into a battlefield,” one visibly angry delegate said.
<span;>Several aspirants blamed a serving minister for manipulating the process, accusing him of using his influence over national committee members to hijack the exercise in favour of his preferred candidate.
“How can a serving minister who just returned to the party dictate the outcome of a primary in a constituency he doesn’t even belong to?” one aggrieved aspirant queried.
The crisis further exposes deep-rooted divisions within the Oyo APC, which remains fractured among loyalists of the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Senator Teslim Folarin, and Minister Adebayo Adelabu. Since losing the governorship to the PDP in 2019, the party has been plagued by leadership tussles and internal disunity.
The aggrieved aspirants have vowed to petition the APC national leadership and seek legal redress, insisting they will not accept what they described as a “compromised process.” They also accused the state executive committee of complicity in the alleged manipulation.
“We are disappointed by the conduct of the primary. Our party executives have shown they are not committed to fairness or justice,” one aspirant stated.
With the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fixing the by-election for August 16, 2025, observers warn that the APC risks another electoral defeat if the crisis remains unresolved.
Security operatives have since intensified patrols in Ibadan North to prevent further unrest, while party elders are reportedly working behind the scenes to douse tensions and possibly push for a consensus candidate.
As of press time, the APC National Working Committee is yet to make an official pronouncement, though sources say a rerun or a consensus option is being considered if the impasse persists.
