Oyo APC and the Aftermath of Ibadan North By-election: A Time for Retrospection, Not Blame Games | By Azeez T
The recently concluded Ibadan North federal constituency by-election, which was won by the PDP, has continued to stir debate within the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC). While the outcome has generated mixed reactions, it has also exposed cracks within the party, with many stakeholders trading blame rather than focusing on the bigger picture and, more importantly, the way forward.
The result, instead of being dismissed as another electoral setback, should serve as a wake-up call for Oyo APC—especially as the state remains a crucial battleground ahead of the 2027 general elections. Unfortunately, rather than prompting sober reflection, the by-election loss has only aggravated old resentments, which is dangerous for the party’s future.
Ibadan North federal constituency is one of the most politically strategic seats in Oyo State. Though the result was somewhat predictable—given Governor Seyi Makinde’s heavy involvement in handpicking and backing the PDP candidate—the APC went into the contest with a divided house, masking disunity under the guise of togetherness. This speaks to the broader challenge the party faces in regaining dominance, having already lost the governorship in both 2019 and 2023.
In the aftermath, internal disagreements resurfaced. Different factions blamed one another for the poor outing—accusing party leaders of weak coordination, high-handedness, inadequate grassroots mobilisation, and unresolved internal tussles. Yet, this cycle of blame-trading can only further weaken unity. If Oyo APC truly intends to reclaim power in 2027, it cannot afford to remain fractured.
The path forward requires honest retrospection, reconciliation of aggrieved members, and a renewed commitment to grassroots engagement. Rebuilding trust, strengthening internal democracy and presenting a united front are non-negotiable if the APC is to mount a credible challenge in the future. The national leadership of the party should also delve into the Oyo APC crisis with a view of providing a lasting and sustainable solution. The party should reconsider its reward system in a way that gives hope for the members and restructure its leadership arrangement in a way that gives its youthful population a sense of ownership as the leaders in the making.
The Ibadan North by-election may be over, but its lessons remain fresh. For Oyo APC, the real task is not in finger-pointing or promoting vendetta but in repositioning the party for the battles ahead.The road to 2027 may still be long, but the choices made now will determine whether the APC regains its lost ground—or remains trapped in cycles of division and blame.
