A major political storm erupted within the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday as party stakeholders openly rejected what they described as an alleged attempt to impose Senator Salisu Afolabi Shuaib as the consensus candidate for Ogun Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The dramatic confrontation unfolded during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the car park of the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Abeokuta, where party leaders, loyalists, and grassroots members gathered for what was expected to be a unifying political engagement. Instead, the meeting exposed widening cracks within the ruling party and sparked intense debates over internal democracy and leadership direction in the state.
Tension reportedly rose after Governor Dapo Abiodun, while addressing party members, appealed to stakeholders to support Senator Salisu Afolabi Shuaib as the party’s preferred consensus candidate for the Ogun Senatorial District contest in 2027.
However, the governor’s appeal was immediately met with stiff resistance from party faithful who insisted that no aspirant should be imposed on the party without broad consultations and the consent of other contenders and stakeholders across the district.
Eyewitnesses at the meeting described the atmosphere as charged, with several party members openly expressing anger over what they perceived as an attempt to sideline other prominent aspirants believed to have strong political structures and grassroots support across the senatorial district.
Among those reportedly mentioned by aggrieved stakeholders as being unfairly excluded from the alleged consensus arrangement were Adebola Emmanuel Sofela, Senator Adegbenga Obadara, Otunba Muraina Olatunji Banjoko, Dr. Soyoola, and former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.
Some party loyalists argued that the Ogun Senatorial District deserves inclusive leadership and transparent political processes capable of reflecting the genuine wishes of party members rather than decisions allegedly reached by a few influential figures within the party hierarchy.
The meeting reportedly became more heated when some stakeholders openly challenged the governor, warning against any move capable of undermining the party’s internal democratic process.
Several dissatisfied members accused Senator Salisu of failing to provide effective representation despite spending nearly three years in office, insisting that many constituents remained unhappy with his performance and would not support his reelection bid in 2027.
“Our party cannot afford to silence other aspirants or ignore the voices of the grassroots,” one stakeholder reportedly declared during the meeting. “If APC wants to remain strong in Ogun State, every aspirant must be given a fair opportunity.”
Concerned party members further warned that any attempt to impose an unpopular candidate could trigger serious political consequences for the APC during the next general elections.
They noted that the senatorial and presidential elections
would likely hold on the same day in 2027, stressing that unresolved internal crises could negatively affect the party’s overall electoral fortunes, including support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reelection ambition.
Ironically, Governor Abiodun had earlier urged party members to work toward delivering massive votes for President Tinubu in the next presidential election.
However, several stakeholders reportedly cautioned that internal disunity and dissatisfaction among members could weaken the party’s strength at both the senatorial and presidential levels.
Some aggrieved members also alleged that opposition forces and politicians outside the current political arrangement were already mobilizing and monitoring developments within the APC, waiting to exploit any deepening divisions ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political observers described the incident as one of the strongest public displays of resistance against political imposition within the Ogun APC in recent years, noting that it reflects growing demands among party members for fairness, inclusiveness, and respect for democratic principles.
Analysts believe the confrontation may signal the beginning of a prolonged internal power struggle within the party as various political blocs position themselves ahead of the crucial 2027 electoral cycle.
As tensions continue to rise, stakeholders are urging Governor Dapo Abiodun and the APC leadership in Ogun State to embrace dialogue, consultation, and transparent decision-making in order to preserve unity within the party.
Many insist that only a credible and democratic process will guarantee cohesion within the APC and strengthen the party’s chances of securing victory in both the presidential and senatorial elections in 2027.
