APC Crisis Deepens as Group Raises Alarm Over Alleged Plot to Replace Primary Winner in Osun

Fresh controversy has erupted within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State following allegations of a clandestine move by some party power brokers to substitute the winner of the Oriade State Constituency House of Assembly primary election, Engr. Olufemi Akosile, with another aspirant.

A pressure group, Oriade Advocates of Good Governance, condemned the alleged plan, describing it as an assault on internal democracy and a dangerous development capable of destabilising the party ahead of the general elections. The group’s Secretary, Mr. Fayemi Oladimeji, warned that any attempt to tamper with the outcome of the primary election could trigger widespread litigation and deepen divisions within the APC.

According to a statement signed by Oladimeji and made available to journalists, Engr. Akosile emerged victorious in a direct primary election reportedly monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police.

The group maintained that results from all wards were duly collated, verified, and transmitted to the appropriate authorities in line with party guidelines and electoral regulations.

It alleged that certain influential figures within the party were now plotting to replace Akosile’s name with that of Prof. Andrew Ifemidayo, a former aspirant from Ipetu-Ijesha, despite the outcome of the primary election.

“The authentic results must be respected and Engr. Olufemi Akosile’s name uploaded to INEC without delay. Any attempt to alter the people’s mandate will be resisted by party members and stakeholders committed to justice and fairness,” the statement said.

The group recalled that both Akosile and Prof. Ifemidayo had earlier stepped down from their higher political ambitions in compliance with party directives aimed at accommodating a new entrant into the party’s fold.

It argued that denying Akosile the ticket after securing victory at the primary would amount to political injustice and could alienate grassroots supporters who worked for the success of the exercise.

The group also cited ongoing legal disputes arising from other APC primary elections in the state, warning that similar controversies could force aggrieved aspirants across the 26 State House of Assembly constituencies to seek judicial intervention.

While appealing to the APC leadership in Osun State and at the national level to intervene, the group urged party leaders to uphold the principles of fairness and transparency by respecting the outcome of the primary election.

“The eyes of party faithful and the people of Oriade are on the leadership. Justice must prevail, and the mandate freely given to Engr. Olufemi Akosile must be protected,” the statement added.