By Akeem Abas
A political group, Oyo APC Peace Advocates, have opposed imposition of any candidate for the Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Ibadan and jointly signed by its Co-conveners, Messrs Wale Ohu and Niran Adeyoju (SDM), the group said that only a free, fair primary could produce an acceptable candidate.
It urged all party leaders and stakeholders to support conduct of a transparent and fair primary in order to ensure the party’s success in the by-election.
The group blamed the party’s failure in the 2023 governorship and House of Assembly elections to imposition of officials and candidates, which undermined unity and electoral success.
The co-conveners reaffirmed the group’s commitment to promoting peace, unity and adherence to party rules.
According to them, many members of the APC across the state have embraced this progressive approach.
They warned that returning to the failed strategy of imposition would be counterproductive and detrimental to the party’s chances in the coming by-election.
The group added that it was closely monitoring the activities of the primary election committee, calling on its members to act fairly and transparently throughout the process.
The member representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Mr Olaide Akinremi, died on July 10, 2024, which necessitated the conduct of a by-election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that 217,980 voters were registered to vote in the election slated for Aug. 16.
The commission also said that 19 registered political parties in the state were eligible to participate in the by-election, adding that all participating political parties would campaign from Aug. 2 to Aug. 14.
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