Oyo APC in Turmoil: Fake ‘Consensus Candidates’ List Sparks Tension Ahead of 2027 Elections

Party leaders investigate viral list as aspirants express frustration over alleged candidate picks

Tension is mounting within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State following the circulation of a purported “consensus candidates” list for the 2027 elections.

The list, which emerged over the weekend, claimed to detail party-approved candidates for gubernatorial, senatorial, and House of Representatives positions across the state. Names allegedly included former Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Dr Sharafadeen Alli, as gubernatorial candidate, and Soji Adedeji, a younger brother of the Federal Inland Revenue Service chairman, as deputy gubernatorial candidate.

Other names reportedly featured on the list included House of Representatives members and senatorial aspirants such as Aderemi Oseni, Idris Ajimobi, and former Head of Service, Mrs Hannah Ogunrsan.

Many aspirants, who have already invested heavily in campaigns, expressed frustration over the purported list, which they described as divisive and inflammatory. Several spoke anonymously, citing concern that the document could create internal conflict ahead of party primaries.

APC issues denial, launches investigation

Responding to inquiries, APC Oyo State Publicity Secretary Olawale Sadare dismissed the list as “fake, deceptive, and provocative.”

He confirmed that the party has launched an investigation to identify the originators of the list and reiterated that no official candidates for the 2027 elections have been endorsed.

“It is fake. The leadership of our great party has commenced an investigation into the circulation of this list, which appeared on social media. We assure members and supporters that no aspirant or candidate list exists for 2027 as the period for expression of interest, nomination, and primaries has not yet begun,” Sadare said.

The incident highlights the sensitivity within political parties as the 2027 elections approach, with social media playing a critical role in spreading unverified political information.