Bayo Adelabu: Drops Oyo APC Primary Lawsuit Amidst Party Unity Push

• Bayo Adelabu, an APC governorship aspirant in Oyo State, has withdrawn his lawsuit challenging the party's primary election results.
• His decision prioritizes party unity and progress ahead of the 2027 elections, rather than a lack of evidence or conviction.
• The dispute centers on allegations that Sharafadeen Alli was imposed as the APC's 2027 governorship candidate without transparent primary results.
• Adelabu noted that the APC National Chairman acknowledged errors and injustices in the primary process.
• Concerns about transparency and disregarded votes extend across multiple nomination categories, supported by documentary and video evidence.

This decision is not because of a lack of evidence, confidence or conviction.

Bayo Adelabu, a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant and former Minister of Power in Oyo State, announced on Thursday his decision to discontinue legal action concerning the party's recent governorship primary. This move, which effectively sees Bayo Adelabu drops Oyo APC primary lawsuit, was not, according to Adelabu, a result of insufficient evidence, a lack of conviction, or a surrender of his aspirations. Instead, he framed it as a strategic choice made in the broader interest of the party's advancement as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.

Adelabu's decision followed extensive consultations, including a meeting with key party leaders and representatives of his loyalists and supporters. These representatives hailed from all 33 local government areas and 351 wards across the state, underscoring the widespread nature of the discussions that informed his stance. He clarified that while he would not pursue an appeal within the party or institute legal proceedings over the primary process at this juncture, this should not be misconstrued as an act of capitulation or an indication that his ambition to govern Oyo State is a 'do-or-die' affair.

The withdrawal of legal action by Adelabu comes amidst ongoing friction within the Oyo APC, where several governorship aspirants have expressed strong disagreements with both state and national executive members of the party. The central point of contention revolves around the nomination of Sharafadeen Alli as the party's governorship candidate for the upcoming 2027 election. Aspirants allege that Alli, who currently represents the Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, was imposed on them, bypassing due process and the will of party members.

This dispute over the Oyo APC 2027 governorship primary is not isolated to the gubernatorial race. Concerns regarding the transparency and integrity of the nomination process extend across various levels, including senatorial, House of Representatives, and state House of Assembly nominations. The absence of publicly declared and verifiable results for these primaries has fueled serious questions about the credibility of the entire selection mechanism, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among party faithful.

Adelabu emphasized that his decision to withdraw legal action APC was driven by a desire for peace, party stability, and the long-term future of the APC in Oyo State. He expressed a commitment to avoiding actions that could further deepen existing divisions and undermine the cohesion of the party. Notably, he referenced a recent visit to Oyo by the respected national chairman, who openly acknowledged errors, unfairness, and injustice within aspects of the primary election process.

While acknowledging the importance of such an admission, Adelabu stressed that an apology alone is insufficient and cannot substitute for necessary corrections, especially where opportunities to address grievances still exist. He highlighted the profound concern that many loyal members, who have invested significant personal resources, time, energy, and political capital over years in building the APC, now feel their sacrifices, votes, and preferences were disregarded. They believe that candidates emerged without a transparent declaration of primary results, with names of selected individuals subsequently entered into the INEC electronic portal as the party's candidates for the 2027 general elections, effectively producing candidates without publicly published results.

The grievances articulated by Adelabu and other party members are described as genuine, stemming from a deep conviction that their votes and sacrifices were overlooked. These concerns, it is argued, should not be dismissed as merely the product of influence from particular aspirants. Many members, feeling their preferences were disregarded, may not readily accept appeals from the aspirants they initially supported, underscoring the depth of the disaffection.

Adelabu's call for a comprehensive reconciliation process ahead of the 2027 election signals a strategic shift towards internal resolution for Nigeria political party primary disputes. He affirmed the existence of substantial documentary materials, authenticated collation records, and video evidence that, in his view, raise serious questions about the nomination process. This development underscores the ongoing challenges faced by political parties in ensuring transparent and credible internal elections, even as leaders like Adelabu opt for party unity over protracted legal battles.

This development signals a strategic decision to prioritize internal party reconciliation over litigation for a significant political dispute, potentially influencing how future primary election grievances are addressed within Nigerian political parties. Lawyers advising political aspirants or parties should note the emphasis on internal resolution and the underlying issues of primary transparency that persist despite the withdrawal of legal threats, indicating continued risk for future challenges.

Source: Original reporting via The PUNCH