Six governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have written an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, warning against what they described as ongoing attempts to manipulate the party’s 2027 governorship ticket process.
In the letter dated May 13, 2026, the aspirants accused Senator Sarafa Alli and some unnamed contenders of engaging in political manoeuvres capable of undermining the unity and ideology of the APC in the state.
The aspirants alleged that some hopefuls were allegedly “renting support crowds” and convening meetings aimed at forcing an adoption agenda despite lacking genuine grassroots acceptance within the party.
They warned that repeating what they termed the “imposition” of a candidate in the 2023 governorship election could again cost the APC victory in Oyo State in 2027.
The group appealed to President Tinubu to urgently intervene by summoning all aspirants and issuing clear directives to prevent further division within the party.
They stressed that consensus within the APC should be transparent, inclusive and driven by merit rather than manipulation by a few party leaders.
According to the letter, failure to address the situation could trigger apathy, defections and further weaken the party’s electoral chances in the state.
The signatories to the letter are former Deputy Governor, Engr. Rauf Aderemi Olaniyan; Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem; Prince Musbau Asatola Asanike; Barrister Akeem Agbaje; Engr. Oyedele Hakeem Alao; and Dr. Ololade Usman Bakare.
Read the full letter below
OPEN LETTER TO SEN. ASIWAJU AHMED BOLA TINUBU, THE PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF ARMED FORCES, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA.
Subject: Urgent Appeal on the Threat to All Progressive Congress (APC) Unity and Ideology in Oyo State
Your Excellency,
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President and Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces,
Federal Republic of Nigeria
Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja
Date: May 13, 2026
1. Respectful Salutation:
We, the undersigned governorship aspirants from Oyo State, under our party, the All Progressive Congress, APC, write with profound respect and loyalty to you and to the All Progressives Congress, as committed party members in Oyo State. Your leadership remains the beacon of hope for millions who believe in progressive governance and democratic ideals in Nigeria.
2. Purpose of This Letter:
We are compelled to draw your attention to the growing danger posed by the actions of Senator Sarafa Alli and some other aspirants in Oyo State. Their manner of manipulations and maneuvering to secure the governorship ticket risks eroding the very ideology and unity of the APC in our state.
3. Manipulations Undermining Party Integrity:
These aspirants have resorted to renting support crowds to create a false impression of grassroots backing, aimed at placating party leadership. They are also convening gatherings of leaders and unsuspecting stakeholders to force an adoption, despite the obvious lack of credibility and acceptance of these candidates among the party base.
4. A Repetition of Past Mistakes:
This is the same pattern through which the party fielded an imposed candidate in 2023, a decision that directly contributed to our loss in Oyo State. To repeat this mistake in 2027 would be to ignore the painful lessons of the recent past and betray the trust of our members.
5. Call for Presidential Intervention:
Rather than allow these wrong and reckless games to continue, we humbly suggest that you summon all aspirants for clear directives. A firm presidential intervention at this stage would prevent further division and restore discipline within the party structure in Oyo State.
6. On the Meaning of True Consensus:
Consensus, as we know it in the APC, is a sacred process guided by the apex leadership of the party in the interest of unity and merit. It must not be reduced to the manipulation of a sectional, insolent, and corrupt set of leaders who feed from crumbs of political lords exploiting your tight schedule.
7. The Risk to the Party’s Future in Oyo State:
If this trajectory continues, the APC in Oyo State is on the verge of another avoidable loss. The people are watching, and they are weary of a party that appears divided, self-serving, and disconnected from their aspirations.
8. Consequences for Party Cohesion:
Should imposition and manipulation prevail, the immediate consequence will be mass apathy and defection among loyal members. The party will lose its moral authority and become a platform for personal ambition rather than public service.
9. Consequences for Electoral Prospects:
An imposed or compromised candidate will not be able to galvanise the electorate. The opposition will exploit the division and the APC will again forfeit the opportunity to reclaim Oyo State, despite the goodwill your administration enjoys nationally.
10. Consequences for Legacy:
Beyond the election, the legacy of allowing such conduct to thrive under your watch will become the template for future politics in the state. It will teach the next generation that party ideology is negotiable when personal interest is involved.
11. Final Appeal:
We ask for a consensus process that is guided solidly by you, Mr. President, one that is transparent, inclusive, and rooted in the progressive values of the APC. Only this will preserve the party’s integrity in Oyo State and give us a fighting chance to win in 2027.
Respectfully submitted sir
1. H.E. ENGR RAUF ADEREMI OLANIYAN
2. DR. ADEWALE KOLAPO KAREEM
3. PRINCE MUSBAU ASATOLA ASANIKE
4. BARRISTER AKEEM AGBAJE
5. ENGR. OYEDELE HAKEEM ALAO
6. DR. OLOLADE USMAN BAKARE
