KEY POINTS
- APC stakeholders in Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North Federal Constituency adopted a zoning formula allocating the House of Representatives ticket to Ibarapa North LGA and the state assembly seat to Ibarapa Central LGA
- The communiqué, jointly read by Chairman Francis Babalola and Secretary T.A. Aderenle, described the arrangement as “non-negotiable” with over 40 party leaders in attendance
- Stakeholders cited 2023 election losses from internal divisions as the driver of the consensus and warned that any outside attempt to override the formula could provoke resistance
All Progressives Congress stakeholders in Oyo State’s Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North Federal Constituency unanimously adopted a zoning formula for 2027 on Tuesday, formalizing a framework the party hopes will prevent the internal divisions that cost it votes in 2023.
The meeting, held in Igboora, the headquarters of Ibarapa Central Local Government Area, drew over 40 party leaders. A communiqué jointly read by Chairman Francis Babalola and Secretary T.A. Aderenle allocated the House of Representatives ticket to Ibarapa North LGA and the Oyo State House of Assembly seat to Ibarapa Central LGA.
Grassroots consensus frames the arrangement as non-negotiable
“The message from the grassroots is consistent and unmistakable,” the communiqué stated. “This is the direction the people want, and anything contrary will be seen as going against the collective interest of the constituency.”
The stakeholders tied the Oyo APC zoning arrangement directly to lessons from the 2023 general elections, when internal divisions drew widespread blame for the party’s poor performance across the constituency and the state. Indeed, they framed adherence to the formula as a test of discipline and loyalty, warning that any attempt to alter it could undermine the emerging unity.
Meanwhile, the communiqué stressed the need to eliminate ambiguity and foster coordinated political engagement ahead of the 2027 cycle.
External interference rejected as threat to party cohesion
Additionally, the stakeholders insisted that decisions affecting the constituency must remain the exclusive responsibility of local party members. They warned that any effort to override the Oyo APC zoning formula from outside could provoke resistance and weaken the party’s base.
“The zoning arrangement has therefore already begun to generate momentum and restore confidence among party members,” the communiqué stated.
Furthermore, stakeholders emphasized that sustaining the framework will be critical to consolidating recent gains and positioning the APC for a stronger performance in 2027.
