A group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, the APC Unity Frontiers, has attributed the party’s defeat in Saturday’s Ibadan North by-election to internal divisions and the influence of the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Akindele Olatubosun, and Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adeniyi, on Sunday, the group warned that the setback could be replicated in the 2027 governorship election if Adelabu emerges as the party’s candidate.

While calling for free, fair, and credible primaries, the group alleged that the APC candidate in the by-election, Mr. Murphy, was handpicked by Adelabu, rather than emerging through a transparent process. According to them, this imposition weakened the party’s chances.

“The people of Oyo State don’t want to hear anything from Adelabu due to his stinginess, arrogance, and stubbornness,” the statement read.

“If Murphy had been a neutral candidate and not someone imposed by the Power Minister, the result of the election would have been different.”

The group urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC national leadership to prevent the party from being hijacked, stressing that failure to address the issue could lead to electoral defeat in 2027.