By Badmus Bejide
Tension appears to be mounting within the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following alleged moves by Senator Fatai Buhari to challenge the growing acceptance of Distinguished Senator Sarafadeen Alli as the party’s gubernatorial flagbearer ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Senator Buhari has since he lost out on Thursday continued to sponsor all kinds of stories and insinuations in the media most them bordering on outright falsehood. His desperation is reflected in his direct challenge of the results and his singular decision to issue a different result claiming he won the Oyo APC primary.
Recall that this is the second time Senator Buhari will openly challenge the decision of President Tinubu and the APC. During the election of the Senate President, Senator Buhari went against the decision of the party to support Senator Akpabio. He gave his vote to Senator Yari. This time around again he is going against the choice of Senator Sharafadeen as the candidate of the APC.
Party members and stakeholders across the state have openly cautioned Senator Buhari against what they described as deliberate attempts to incite members of the party through the circulation of fake and misleading results aimed at discrediting the outcome of the APC gubernatorial process.
According to several APC loyalists who spoke on the issue, the actions allegedly linked to Senator Buhari are capable of creating avoidable tension within the party at a time when unity and reconciliation should be the priority. To them, Senator Buhari is desperate having lost his attempt to return to the Senate a record 4th time.
They insisted that Distinguished Senator Sarafadeen Alli remains the most widely accepted and politically strategic figure to lead the APC into the next governorship election in Oyo State, citing his grassroots connection, political maturity and acceptance across the geopolitical zones of the state.
The stakeholders noted that while political contests naturally come with disagreements and differing interests, every aspirant is expected to respect party structures and democratic outcomes rather than resort to propaganda capable of misleading supporters.
“The APC in Oyo State cannot afford another internal crisis driven by personal ambition and desperation,” one party chieftain stated. “At a time when members are working tirelessly to reposition the party for victory, it is unfortunate that some individuals are allegedly attempting to sow confusion with fabricated claims and fake figures.”
Many party faithful argued that Senator Alli’s growing popularity within the APC and among residents of the state has unsettled some political interests, leading to attempts to create false impressions about the mood within the party.
They warned that no individual should place personal ambition above the collective interest of the APC, stressing that internal issues must be resolved through constitutional party channels rather than through public agitation and inflammatory narratives.
The stakeholders further appealed to supporters of all aspirants to remain calm and avoid actions capable of escalating tensions, noting that the strength of the APC lies in its unity and discipline.
Observers within the party also believe that the emerging controversy may become a major test of the APC’s ability to manage internal disagreements ahead of the next election cycle. They warned that prolonged division could weaken the opposition party’s chances against the ruling government in the state.
Despite the tension, many APC members remain optimistic that reconciliation efforts by party elders and leaders would help restore confidence and strengthen cohesion among stakeholders.
They concluded by urging Senator Fatai Buhari to embrace peace, respect party supremacy and join other progressive forces within the APC to build a stronger and more united opposition capable of reclaiming power in Oyo State.
