Controversy trails APC Lagelu/Akinyele Reps primary in Oyo State over “Yes/No” voting system, with allegations of bias, protests, and lack of transparency.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Federal House of Representatives primary election for the Lagelu/Akinyele Federal Constituency in Oyo State has sparked controversy following the adoption of a “Yes/No” affirmation voting method, which some party members described as lacking transparency and fairness.
The primary election, held on Saturday at Ward 10, Iyana Offa area, commenced under a tense atmosphere as party members gathered at the venue as early as 7:30 a.m. ahead of the scheduled exercise.
Security presence was observed at the ground, including a police officer, while three returning officers were on standby awaiting the arrival of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) representative.
Delayed start and membership verification concerns
During the waiting period, membership slips were distributed to attendees. However, several party members alleged that some eligible participants were denied slips without clear explanation from ward officials, raising early concerns about inclusiveness and internal party coordination.
The INEC representative later arrived at about 9:16 a.m. and reportedly clarified that his role was strictly to observe the exercise. Following this clarification, the responsibility for conducting the primary was handed over to APC ward executives.
APC adopts “Yes/No” affirmation voting system
In a development that became the central issue of dispute, party officials announced that the primary election would be conducted using a “Yes/No” affirmation system instead of the conventional ballot voting method.
The decision was said to have followed directives allegedly issued by the party secretariat.
Under the process, the names of the three aspirants were read out one after another, while party members were asked to either support or reject each candidate by shouting or raising their membership cards.
Allegations of bias and lack of transparency
The voting method immediately triggered mixed reactions among attendees. While some members complied with the process, others openly expressed dissatisfaction, describing the system as non-transparent and vulnerable to manipulation.
Some aggrieved members alleged that the process appeared to favour a particular aspirant, identified as Hon. Lafioye.
However, no official confirmation was provided by electoral officers or APC executives regarding the claim.
A key concern raised by protesters was the absence of a formal vote count. Critics argued that the affirmation system made it impossible to determine the actual number of supporters for each aspirant, as no documented result sheet was presented.
One party member who spoke to journalists at the venue questioned the credibility of the exercise, insisting that the process lacked accountability and transparency.
Despite repeated complaints, no official response was recorded from the election handlers.
Protests emerge as some members walk out
As tensions increased, a section of dissatisfied party members reportedly staged a walkout from the venue, expressing dissatisfaction with the conduct of the primary election. They described the process as predetermined and unfair.
Meanwhile, other members who remained continued with the exercise under the supervision of ward executives.
Alleged cash distribution sparks further reactions
Following the conclusion of the primary exercise, some participants alleged that party members who remained at the venue were given ₦2,000 each after completing a register distributed earlier in the day.
The purpose of the alleged payment could not be independently verified, and party officials did not provide any public explanation regarding the claim.
Election ends without violence amid tight security
Despite the controversy, the APC primary election ended peacefully without any reported incidents of violence. Security operatives maintained order throughout the exercise, ensuring that disagreements did not escalate beyond verbal exchanges.
Photographs and video recordings of the process were reportedly taken as part of documentation of the proceedings.
Political implications for Lagelu/Akinyele APC
The outcome and controversies surrounding the APC Lagelu/Akinyele primary are expected to generate further reactions within party ranks in Oyo State.
Stakeholders are already debating the fairness of the “Yes/No” affirmation system and its implications for internal democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Observers note that disputes over primary election methods have continued to shape internal politics within the APC in Oyo State, particularly in constituencies where zoning, influence, and candidate selection remain highly sensitive issues.
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