A political group within Oyo APC “Concerned Oyo APC Stakeholders”
has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to use his position as the overall leader of the party to intervene in the process of selecting the party candidate for the Ibadan North federal constituency By-election.
The group made the call in an open letter signed by its coordinator Coordinator
Comrade Olaniyi Bankole wrote to Mr. President and issued to pressmen in Ibadan, Oyo state capital, on Friday afternoon.
Concerned Oyo APC Stakeholders urged Tinubu to intervene and ensure the selection process is devoid of imposition by just a few individuals, who may want to impose their choice on the generality of the party members
The release statement of the Concerned Oyo APC Stakeholders reads:
IBADAN NORTH BYE-ELECTION: THE LITMUS TEST THAT DESERVES CAUTION BY APC STAKEHOLDERS
” There is no doubt that a vacuum has been created by the painful exit of a real party loyalist and someone who had converted the opportunity of public position to impact severally. May the soul of Hon Musiliu Akinremi (Jagaban) continue to rest in peace.
” The onus on every APC leader and member in Oyo state and particularly in Ibadan North LG is to passionately delve into concerted efforts on how to sustain the legacy in honor of the dead.
” We are worried that this bye-election should not tear us apart but strengthen us; it is better and very important that we make it an all-inclusive and carry along all relevant stakeholders.
” The party needs to think beyond the primary but value wholeheartedly the need to come out victoriously in the bye-election, therefore
” The distinguished senator representing Oyo south, the late federal rep loyalists and entire political camp, the concerned elders, the party leaders and followers across each ward, and the party at the local government, should be carried along in choosing the rightful candidate to avoid internal wrangling that injustice could generate and other side effect on the bye-election.
” The already scheduled election to replace Hon Musiliu must be handled with all sense of responsibility, dedication, and commitment to prove our mettle, and we passionately seek diligent cooperation of every stakeholder in the entire process for the ultimate choice of candidate to flag our party ticket.
” We passionately avail this medium to seek the attention of our Indefatigable President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deploy his statesmanship, as a genuine Democrat, in ensuring the strict adherence to the true democratic process, and produce the best amongst the numerous aspirants, that have indicated interest.
” We, on the other hand, appeal to the esteemed party leaders in Ibadan North LG not to engage in any undemocratic acts capable of tearing the party apart and exposing the APC to challenges of victory in the by-election.
” We are quite aware of the pedigree and profiles of all aspirants, and the public is quite aware of the real aspirants away from the jesters.
” Therefore, it is imperative for the leaders to bring forth their wealth of experience and guide our party at this period of its greatest challenges on the way to putting the signals ahead of 2027 possible fierce battle.
” What should be uppermost amongst other added factors to guide this all-important choice /candidate for our party is to look for a candidate that can deliver in general election,
” While we have that utmost respect and honor for the party leaders and all stakeholders involved in the selection process, we humbly appeal that no imposition of any kind is given a space in whatever guise.
” We passionately seek an open primary type to be adopted in a way that none of the aspirants will feel cheated after the choice of a single one, emerging through an open democratic process.
” Strict adherence and respect for internal democracy will go a long way in proving the undiminished strength of our party, which has further waxed stronger now, after losing Oyo state in 2023 governorship to internal bickering in a sad manner.
” APC remains the most formidable time to ensure a stitch in time saves nine.
