One of the governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, Senator Fatai Buhari, has declared his readiness to participate in the party’s primary election, insisting that the process must be peaceful, transparent and credible.
Buhari, who represents Oyo North Senatorial District in the Senate, made this known on Monday during a meeting with the Oyo APC executive led by the state chairman, Moses Adeyemo, at the party secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan.
According to him, any aspirant afraid of facing others in a primary election lacks the competence needed to fly the party’s flag in the general election.
“The leadership of the APC is respected because of the principles and credibility that have guided many of us to where we are today. Any aspirant who is afraid of participating in a primary election with others cannot be considered strong enough to lead the party into a general election,” Buhari said.
The senator expressed confidence in the APC leadership to organise a free and fair process, adding that he remained one of the strongest contenders in the race.
Earlier, the Oyo APC chairman, Moses Adeyemo, assured party members that the governorship primary would be conducted fairly and transparently. He spoke while receiving members of the APC Screening and Appeal Committee sent from the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
Adeyemo explained that although efforts were ongoing to reach consensus among aspirants, the party might still adopt direct primaries in some contests, including the governorship race.
“We are putting every structure in place to ensure fairness for all aspirants. While consensus remains an option, direct primaries may become necessary in certain positions, including the governorship ticket,” he said.
Buhari also promised to support the party secretariat with solar-powered lighting and computer systems to improve operations. In addition, he donated N5 million to the state chapter of the APC and another N2 million to members of the party executive.
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Responding, Adeyemo praised Buhari for projects facilitated across Oyo North, especially in the Oke-Ogun area, and appreciated his continued support for the party.
The meeting attracted Buhari’s supporters and loyalists from the 33 local government areas of the state.
The latest development comes amid growing debate within the Oyo APC over how the party should select its governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 election.
Former Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu, had also rejected claims of a consensus arrangement and urged all aspirants to test their popularity through primaries.
The controversy followed reports that some APC stakeholders endorsed Senator Sharafadeen Alli as a consensus candidate. However, several aspirants, including Fatai Buhari, former Deputy Governor Rauf Olaniyan and Akeem Agbaje, have openly backed direct primaries as the fairest option for the party.
