A former Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Hon. James Adeleke, has dismissed speculations surrounding the alleged disqualification of Oyo Central Senatorial aspirant, Dr. Ademola Wasiu Alli (AWA), cautioning party leaders against actions capable of creating avoidable crisis within the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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‎Speaking with journalists on Sunday, Hon James maintained that Dr. Alli remains in the race, insisting that any attempt to edge out an aspirant of his standing without transparency, official communication, or fair hearing would amount to a dangerous precedent capable of hurting the unity and stability of the party in Oyo State.
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‎According to him, the APC must remain committed to internal democracy and due process, especially at a time when party faithful across Oyo Central are demanding open participation and credible primaries.
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‎“Dr. Ademola Wasiu Alli remains fully in the race. The party is structured and guided by laid down procedures. Anything contrary to due process will only generate tension and dissatisfaction among loyal party members.”
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‎The former council chairman also urged the leadership of the party at the national level to pay close attention to developments surrounding the Oyo Central contest, warning against any political arrangement capable of undermining the confidence of grassroots members.
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‎He further called on the incumbent senator and other stakeholders to embrace a transparent direct primary process, stressing that any aspirant with strong grassroots support should not be afraid of facing party members at the polls.
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‎“If anyone believes he has performed creditably and still enjoys the confidence of party faithful, then the direct primary election should not be a source of concern. The strength of every aspirant should be tested openly by the people.”
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‎Adeleke also rejected any suggestion of imposing a consensus arrangement on the senatorial district, insisting that only a free and fair direct primary election can guarantee peace, justice, and unity within the party.
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‎He warned party leaders against repeating political mistakes capable of weakening the APC’s structure and electoral chances, urging all stakeholders to allow a level playing field where party members can freely determine their preferred candidate through democratic means.
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‎“Leaders of the party must protect the integrity of the process. Let every aspirant test his popularity before the people. Whoever emerges should do so through a transparent process acceptable to party faithful across the district.”
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