Aspirants under the All Progressive Congress (APC) for the forthcoming bye-election in Ibadan North Federal constituency, Oyo State have given the National Secretariat of the party 48 hours to resolve the crisis that arose from the alleged imposition of the candidate.
It will be recalled that the state leadership of the Party has presented Hon. Adewale Olatunji Murphy as its duly elected candidate for the election.
However, other candidates under the aegis of United Ibadan North Federal Constituency Aspirants Forum, at a press conference held at the state Secretariat of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Iyaganku, insisted that Murphy has never been the candidate of the party.
Reading the adopted 8-paragraph communique on behalf of other aspirants, Hon Aderounmu Saheed submitted that the presentation of Olatunji as the party’s candidate is a gross violation of democratic principles and the rule of law.
He submitted that any attempt to insist on Olatunji as the party’s candidate in the August 16 by-election would be counterproductive.
In order to right the wrong, the Aspirants Forum have elected Hon. Khali Mustapha Repete as the unanimously elected candidate.
The Forum, therefore, called for the substitution of the name earlier submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission as provided for in the 2023 Electoral Act as amended.
They also called for the intervention of the National Working Committee (NWC), the Presidency and other relevant stakeholders.
The communique read in part, “We the Aspirants, stand against the imposition of Adewale Olatunji as the candidate for the forthcoming by-election in Ibadan North Federal Constituency. This act is a clear disregard for democratic principles and the rule of law.
The imposition of Adewale Olatunji Murphy without a primary election is not in line with the relevant laws and party guide. This imposition is unacceptable and undermines the party’s credibility.
“We have elected Hon. Khali Mustapha Repete as our consensus candidate through a unanimous process and believe he is the best candidate to represent the people of Ibadan North Federal Constituency.
“We urge party leaders to accept Hon. Repete as the party’s candidate.
“The people of Ibadan North Federal Constituency deserve a fair and transparent process. We are confident that Hon. Khali Mustapha Repete is the best candidate to represent them.
“We give the national leadership 48 hours to intervene and resolve this matter; if not, consequences should be placed squarely on the NWC and relevant stakeholders.”
