...To get all news updates, Join our WhatsApp Group (Click Here)
Connect with us on Linkedin (Click Here)
Ibadan, Oyo State — A frontline gubernatorial aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Oyo State, Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem, popularly known as AKK, has declared that the party has no officially recognized consensus candidate ahead of the 2027 governorship election. He rejected what he described as the “so-called Samonda Consensus,” insisting that any arrangement lacking the collective agreement of all aspirants cannot be legitimately upheld.
Dr. Kareem made the declaration on Monday during the APC Ward 6 meeting in Ibadan South-West Local Government, where he formally presented his Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms to party leaders, elders, and grassroots members.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Kolapo Kareem stated unequivocally that consensus, by its very nature, must be a product of collective agreement among all aspirants who have duly purchased nomination forms. “As it stands today, the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State has no officially recognized consensus candidate. Anything short of a collective agreement among aspirants cannot be legitimately upheld as consensus,” he said.
While noting that he holds party leaders in the highest regard, the Egbeda-born technocrat respectfully expressed his disagreement with the reported “Samonda Consensus.” He maintained that every aspirant has the fundamental right to seek the mandate of the people and to pursue their aspirations in the service of God. In the same vein, he added, aspirants also reserve the right to reject any arrangement that does not reflect fairness, inclusiveness, and due consultation.
“Our great party must remain guided by due process, internal democracy, and equity,” AKK told the crowd of party faithfuls. “I am confident that our leaders will act in the best interest of the APC by ensuring that any eventual decision, whether through a genuine consensus process or a direct primary, is transparent, just, and acceptable to all stakeholders.”
Dr. Kolapo Kareem disclosed that as of Monday, nine aspirants have officially obtained nomination forms, with the window still open for more participants. He described the development as a clear reflection of the vibrancy and competitiveness within the Oyo APC, contrary to narratives of a concluded anointment.
The gubernatorial hopeful reiterated that his ambition remains secondary to the success and unity of the party. “I remain fully loyal to the APC and committed to the collective goal of reclaiming Oyo State in 2027,” he affirmed.
Party leaders and elders at the Ward 6 meeting commended Dr. Kolapo Kareem for his grassroots engagement and adherence to due process. They urged all aspirants to conduct their campaigns with decorum and to prioritize the interests of the party above personal ambition.
Political observers say AKK’s open rejection of the “Samonda Consensus” has deepened internal debate within Oyo APC on the mode of candidate selection. The party’s state leadership has consistently maintained that all options remain on the table, including consensus and direct primaries, but stressed that any adopted method would follow constitutional provisions and wide consultations.
With nine aspirants now in the race and more expected before the close of nominations, the contest for the APC governorship ticket in Oyo State is set to be one of the most competitive in recent years. Stakeholders are watching closely to see whether the party will adopt a harmonized consensus arrangement agreeable to all aspirants or proceed to a primary election.
Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem, a development expert and philanthropist, has continued to anchor his aspiration on grassroots mobilization, internal democracy, and a unifying agenda to position the APC for victory in 2027.
...To get all news updates, Join our WhatsApp Group (Click Here)
Connect with us on Linkedin (Click Here)
