Oyo APC: President Tinubu must call leaders to order before things escalate – Adigun Ibadan

By Seyifunmi Odunuga 

IBADAN – A prominent grassroots stakeholder of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, popularly known as Adigun Ibadan, has made a passionate appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the deepening crisis rocking the state chapter of the party to avert an imminent implosion.

In a viral video currently making the rounds, Adigun Ibadan expressed grave concern over the heightening tension within the party, particularly regarding the choice of primary election format. He warned that the silence of the Presidency while the "house is on fire" is giving room for an escalation that could prove fatal for the party’s 2027 prospects in the Pacesetter State.

The party loyalist directed a sharp critique at the national leadership, stating that the President, as the father of the party, must "call all the leaders together" and provide a clear direction. He lamented that despite numerous meetings involving high-profile stakeholders like Senator Sarafadeen Alli, Senator Buhari, and Chief (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi, the internal friction has only intensified.

"I expected the President to have called everyone by now to tell them his vision so we can all work together," Adigun said in the footage. "But he’s been silent, and now things have escalated. If the President is interested in Oyo State, he should call these leaders to order before it is too late."

Central to his appeal was the alleged "ill-treatment" of the 2023 governorship candidate, Senator Teslim Folarin. Adigun Ibadan described Folarin as a key figure who made significant sacrifices for the party’s success at the national level, only to be sidelined by internal power blocs. He warned that if the perceived marginalization of the Folarin camp continues, it could lead to a massive defection that would weaken the APC's structure across the state.

The video also highlighted a growing fear of violence, with Adigun warning that the push for direct primaries in a climate of "extreme hostility" is a recipe for bloodshed. He urged the Presidency to favor a consensus arrangement or a transparent reconciliation process to douse the tension.

"The problems are already too many. President Tinubu knows what is happening here. He must act now to save the party from those who are only after their personal billions while the grassroots suffer," the party stalwart declared.

The viral appeal comes at a time when several interest groups within the Oyo APC are reportedly repositioning themselves for the 2027 cycle, with the "Adigun Ibadan" video now serving as a focal point for those calling for urgent national intervention.