Oyo APC Peace Advocates has insisted on a transparent, free, and fair process for selecting the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the by-election in Ibadan North Federal Constituency.

In a statement jointly signed by its co-conveners, Chief Wale Ohu and Prince Niran Adeyoju (SDM), and supported by all of its members, Dr. Akin Onigbinde (SAN), Prince Gbade Lana, Hon Dr. (Mrs) Peju Esan, Hon Amzat Ogunsola, Alhaji Raji Rasaki, Engr. Wale Adeoye, Hon. Bimbo Kolade, Alhaji Adebayo Aruna and Hon. Afeez Bolaji Repete, the Peace Advocates said that only a credible, free and fair exercise will guarantee the success of the APC in the by-election.

The group said that it had embarked on peace initiatives across the zones of the state, engaging stakeholders on the need to embrace peace and unity of purpose and that while generality of party leaders, critical stakeholders, and officers embraced the messages of peace, they also insisted on the need for credible, transparent, free and fair processes of selecting candidates and party officials.

The group appreciated the efforts and dedication of the Oyo State Chairman of the APC, Alhaji Olayide Moshood Abass, and the Oyo State Executives of the party towards moulding a more vibrant and united Party.

The group said: “We cannot but appreciate our National Assembly caucus, who granted us audience and have been giving us moral support in our efforts to reawaken the party in Oyo State. Finally, we appreciate the leadership of the party in Ibadan North Federal Constituency. We have also received tremendous support from them in the bid to ensure all inclusiveness in the process of selecting a generally acceptable candidate for the APC in Ibadan North. We would like to conclude by urging all stakeholders to support the wishes of the majority of party faithfuls who are yearning for a credible APC candidate in Ibadan North, a candidate who will emerge through an inclusive, credible, free, fair, and transparent process.

“We note that the by-election in Ibadan North is a litmus test case for the APC in Oyo State. It is an election we cannot afford to lose. The only way to victory for the APC in that election is to allow for a process devoid of manipulations. That is what Oyo APC Peace Advocates stands for, and that is the message we have been preaching.”