Osun APC protest breaks out in Osogbo as party members allege manipulation of Obokun primary election results

Members of the All Progressives Congress in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State on Thursday staged a peaceful protest at the party’s state secretariat in Osogbo over alleged attempts to manipulate the outcome of the primary election for the Obokun State Constituency seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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The protesters accused the lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Wole Oke, of allegedly trying to replace the winner of the primary election with the first runner-up.

Carrying placards bearing inscriptions such as “Give us our mandate,” “Respect the will of the people,” and “Let people’s votes count,” the demonstrators insisted that the primary election was conducted peacefully and produced Mr Gbenga Falope as the party’s candidate.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Mr Oyewole Oyebanji said the primary election was free and credible, adding that Gbenga Falope secured victory with 2,594 votes against his closest rival, who polled 2,020 votes.

Oyewole Oyebanji warned that any attempt to alter the outcome of the exercise could damage internal democracy within the party and weaken members’ confidence ahead of the 2026 elections in the state.

“We have been robbed. We went to the primary election on Wednesday, and at the end of the day, Gbenga Falope won with 565 votes. He scored 2594 to defeat his nearest contestant, who got 2020,” he said.

According to him, concerns emerged after party officials moved to Osogbo for the issuance and documentation of nomination forms.

“We strongly believe and have credible information that Hon. Oluwole Oke interfered in the process and influenced the unlawful withholding or removal of the nomination form meant for the House of Assembly position,” Oyewole Oyebanji alleged.

The protesters called on the APC leadership in Osun State to intervene urgently and uphold the declared outcome of the primary election.

They maintained that fairness, transparency and respect for members’ votes were essential for the party’s unity and future electoral success.

Responding to the allegations, Tunde Omolebi-Sunday described the claims against Wole Oke as misleading and mischievous.

Tunde Omolebi-Sunday said the federal lawmaker had no involvement in the conduct or supervision of the State House of Assembly primary election process.

“As Director-General of the Osun APC Gubernatorial Campaign Council, Hon. Oluwole Oke has no role whatsoever in the conduct, supervision, or determination of State House of Assembly primary election outcomes. Any claim to the contrary is a gross distortion of facts and a calculated attempt to mislead the public,” he said.

Although he acknowledged the protesters’ right to express grievances, Tunde Omolebi-Sunday urged party members to channel complaints through the appropriate party structures and appeal committees rather than making what he described as baseless public accusations.

He added that linking Wole Oke to the controversy was an attempt to mask disappointment with conspiracy claims.

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The aide further urged party faithful to respect the integrity of the electoral process and seek redress through established internal mechanisms of the party.