Adelabu Alleges Irregularities in Oyo APC Governorship Primary

Chief Adebayo Adelabu, one of the aspirants contesting for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Oyo State, has raised concerns over alleged irregularities during the party’s primary election held across the state on Thursday.

Adelabu claimed the exercise was marred by widespread misconduct, including the disenfranchisement of some of his supporters, intimidation of voters, and the conduct of elections before the scheduled time in several wards.

Speaking with journalists after voting at IMG School, Ward 9, in Ibadan South-East Local Government Area, Adelabu described the process as lacking credibility and fairness.

According to him, some wards concluded voting before many members arrived, while others allegedly prevented his supporters from participating through intimidation and violence. He also claimed that voting did not take place in some locations.

The former minister said he would submit petitions to relevant authorities over the alleged irregularities, insisting that those responsible should be investigated and sanctioned.

Adelabu also criticised what he described as the “affirmation” of certain candidates in some wards, arguing that there was no agreed consensus arrangement among aspirants. He maintained that directives from the party leadership in Abuja emphasised a free, fair, and transparent direct primary process for all contestants.

He stressed that democratic processes within the party should allow members to freely choose their preferred candidates without intimidation or exclusion.

Despite his complaints, Adelabu recorded a landslide victory at Ward 9 in Ibadan South-East Local Government, polling 430 votes to defeat his closest rival, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, who secured three votes.