Group Faults Akin Ogunbiyi’s Emergence, Demands Level Playing Field

 

…imposition is a panacea for failure

A socio-political group within the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun West Senatorial District, the Osun West Renaissance Group, led by Dr Sikiru Ademolekun, has raised fresh concerns over the alleged emergence and endorsement of Dr Akin Ogunbiyi as the party’s preferred senatorial candidate, warning that any form of imposition could undermine the party’s electoral prospects.

The group further stressed that the credibility of the APC at this critical political moment depends largely on its ability to uphold fairness, equity, and internal democracy, warning that any perception of pre-determination could erode confidence among party faithful and weaken collective resolve across the district.

The group, in a statement reacting to an alleged communiqué purportedly issued on Thursday by the Osun West Senatorial Leader of the APC, Hon. Akintola Omolaoye, described the development as troubling and capable of creating unnecessary tension within the party.

According to the group, committed to promoting progressive ideals and inclusive governance within the APC, the reported endorsement is premature and inconsistent with the principles of internal democracy, stressing that all aspirants must be given a level playing ground through a credible and transparent primary process.

It added that internal democracy is not merely a procedural requirement but a strategic necessity, as it fosters inclusiveness, strengthens legitimacy, and enhances the party’s acceptability among the electorate.

The Osun West Renaissance Group also referenced a recent viral video featuring Dr Ogunbiyi, in which he was said to have downplayed the strength and electoral chances of the APC ahead of the forthcoming governorship election. The group noted that Ogunbiyi was quoted as attributing a statement to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu suggesting that the president was not expecting the APC to present a governorship candidate, and that Governor Ademola Adeleke had been invited to fly the party’s flag in the state.

The group noted that, in a highly competitive political environment, public perception matters significantly, and aspirants seeking the mandate of the party must consistently demonstrate alignment with its vision, messaging, and electoral objectives.

Describing the remarks as disturbing, the group stated that such utterances, if accurately represented, raise serious concerns about party loyalty and commitment at a critical time.

“At a time when the APC in Osun State requires unity, confidence, and strategic coordination to secure victory, it is unsettling to associate the party’s senatorial ticket with an individual whose public statements appear to undermine its chances,” the statement read.

The group further anchored its position on existing party guidelines, noting that the National Chairman of the APC, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, had earlier outlined clear conditions for the adoption of a consensus candidate, particularly that all aspirants must willingly agree to such an arrangement.

Quoting the guideline, the group stated that “all aspirants must accede to consensus before such an arrangement can be recognised by the party.” It, however, revealed that information at its disposal indicates that no such agreement has been reached among aspirants in the Osun West Senatorial District.

It emphasised that any deviation from clearly established guidelines could set a dangerous precedent, capable of undermining the integrity of the party’s internal processes beyond Osun West Senatorial District.

“Available information clearly shows that senatorial aspirants in Osun West have not, at any point, agreed to withdraw from the race or adopt a consensus candidate. On that basis, it is difficult to justify how any aspirant could be validly presented as a consensus choice,” the group asserted.

The group further pointed out what it described as an inconsistency in the party’s approach across the state. It noted that in Osun East and Osun Central Senatorial Districts, where the APC currently has incumbent senators, other aspirants have been allowed to purchase nomination forms and prepare for primary elections without restriction.

The group maintained that uniformity in the application of party rules across all senatorial districts is essential to sustaining trust, noting that any perceived disparity may create avoidable grievances among stakeholders.

It is therefore described as alarming that Osun West, where the party is expected to challenge an incumbent senator from the Accord Party, is the only district where such an alleged arrangement is being contemplated.

Dr Ademolekun stated that Osun West cannot be treated in isolation from other senatorial zones in the state, warning that any deviation from established norms could send wrong signals to party members and supporters.

“Why should Osun West be singled out for a different standard, especially in a district where the party needs to mobilise its full strength to unseat an incumbent? This raises serious questions about fairness and strategic consistency,” the statement added.

It warned that political processes that appear exclusionary often result in diminished enthusiasm among grassroots members, reduced mobilisation capacity, and unintended electoral consequences.

Reiterating that imposition remains a “panacea for failure,” the group warned that any attempt, real or perceived, to sideline other aspirants could trigger internal disaffection and weaken the party ahead of key elections.

Reaffirming its commitment to the success of the APC, the Osun West Renaissance Group called on the party’s national and state leadership to clarify the circumstances surrounding the alleged communiqué and ensure strict adherence to due process.

The group therefore urged that all necessary steps be taken to reassure aspirants and party members that the process leading to the emergence of the party’s candidate will be transparent, inclusive, and in strict compliance with established guidelines.

“We urge the leadership of our great party to provide a free, fair, and credible platform for all aspirants. Internal democracy is non-negotiable if we must preserve unity and achieve electoral success,” the group stated.

The group also appealed to party elders and stakeholders across Osun West and Osun State at large to intervene and safeguard the integrity of the APC, emphasising that transparency and inclusiveness remain key to sustaining confidence among party members.

The group reiterated that the unity, strength, and electoral success of the APC in Osun West will ultimately depend on the confidence of its members in the fairness of the process, not the preference of a select few.