Oyo APC faces fresh tension as Moshood Yussuf Alade’s Oyo Voice post sparks controversy over an alleged leaked chat involving Alli and Adelabu’s camps.
Fresh controversy has emerged within the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following an alleged leaked WhatsApp conversation involving supporters of the party’s 2027 governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, and the political camp of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu Adekola.
The controversy was brought to public attention through a post on the Facebook page “Oyo Voice,” handled by Moshood Yussuf Alade.
The publication alleged that supporters of Senator Alli mocked Adelabu, his supporters and other members of the party believed to be unhappy with developments surrounding the APC’s 2027 governorship race.
The post, which carried the headline “Adelabu And His People Are Nothing – Sharafadeen Alli’s Supporters Attack Former Minister in Leaked Chat,” claimed that the alleged exchange took place in a WhatsApp group where supporters of the APC governorship candidate reportedly made disparaging remarks about Adelabu’s political camp.
The publication further alleged that the comments described Adelabu and his supporters as politically irrelevant while suggesting that some aggrieved APC members had lost their relevance within the party.
According to the Facebook post, Senator Sharafadeen Alli and his running mate, Hon. Adesoji Adedeji, were also members of the WhatsApp group.
The publication claimed that the two politicians appeared pleased while their supporters engaged in what it described as online attacks against Adelabu’s camp.
However, the allegations contained in the social media post have not been independently verified. It is also unclear from the publication whether the full WhatsApp conversation was made available or whether the screenshots, if any, have been authenticated.
The allegations have nevertheless triggered a reaction from an APC member, who strongly criticised Moshood Yussuf Alade and questioned the motive behind the publication.
In his response, the party member accused Alade of allegedly engaging in what he described as “politics of bitterness” through the pseudonymous Facebook platform, Oyo Voice.
The APC member questioned why Alade would use the platform to criticise the party and its candidates rather than raise his concerns through recognised party channels.
“Moshood Yussuf Alade, why engage in politics of bitterness by hiding behind the pseudonymous account ‘Oyo Voice’ to attack the APC and its candidates?” the party member asked.
The respondent also alleged that Alade was a supporter of Senator Fatai Buhari, popularly known as BAF, and argued that his activities on the social media platform did not reflect the discipline and loyalty expected from a supporter of the senator.
According to the APC member, Alade had previously benefited from the APC political platform and the office associated with Senator Fatai Buhari.
The member therefore described it as disappointing that Alade would allegedly turn against the same political platform following the failure of his preferred aspirant to secure the party’s governorship ticket.
“You benefited from the APC platform and from the good office of Senator Fatai Buhari, so it is disappointing to see you now attack the same platform because your preferred aspirant did not secure the gubernatorial ticket,” the party member said.
The response also raised concerns about the possible impact of the controversy on the APC’s preparations for the 2027 elections.
The party member alleged that the Oyo Voice publication could misinform members of the public and create hostility towards APC candidates across different levels of the electoral contest.
He specifically alleged that the campaign could extend beyond the governorship candidate to APC candidates seeking election into the Oyo State House of Assembly.
“More concerning is the alleged attempt to misinform the public and instigate progressive-minded members against APC candidates, from the gubernatorial candidate down to candidates contesting the House of Assembly elections,” he said.
The APC member, however, acknowledged that disagreements are normal within political parties, particularly during periods of intense internal competition.
He argued that such disagreements should not be allowed to destroy the party’s structure or create permanent divisions among its members.
“Political differences are normal, but they should not become an excuse to weaken or destroy the party that has provided opportunities for you and your principal,” he stated.
He subsequently called for grievances within the Oyo APC to be addressed through open dialogue and constructive engagement rather than through anonymous or pseudonymous social media platforms.
“If you have genuine concerns, express them openly and constructively rather than hiding behind a pseudonymous account,” the member added.
Adelabu rules out court challenge
Meanwhile, Chief Adebayo Adelabu has said he will not approach the court to challenge the outcome of the APC governorship primary ahead of the 2027 election.
Adelabu said the decision was driven by his desire to protect the unity of the APC and prevent disagreements arising from the primary election from creating deeper divisions within the party.
The former minister disclosed this in a statement issued in Ibadan on Thursday, following consultations with party leaders, supporters and loyalists across Oyo State.
According to Adelabu, consultations were conducted with stakeholders across the state’s 33 local government areas and 351 wards before he reached the decision to discontinue any immediate move to challenge the outcome of the primary through legal means.
The former minister said his governorship ambition was not a do-or-die affair, stressing the importance of reconciliation and unity within the APC as the party prepares for the 2027 election.
His decision not to pursue a court challenge comes against the backdrop of the latest controversy involving supporters of different political camps within the Oyo APC.
Rather than allowing disagreements over the primary to escalate into a prolonged legal and political battle, Adelabu said the party should focus on reconciliation and strengthening its internal structure ahead of the general election.
Fresh pressure on Oyo APC ahead of 2027
The latest development comes as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with various camps within the Oyo APC positioning themselves for the forthcoming electoral contest.
The relationship between different political blocs within the party could become increasingly important as the APC prepares to challenge for political control in Oyo State.
The alleged WhatsApp controversy also reflects the tensions that can emerge within political parties after internal contests, particularly when supporters of different aspirants continue to maintain strong loyalties to their preferred candidates.
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