Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North Federal Constituency have strongly rejected the outcome of a purported zoning meeting reportedly held on March 26, 2026, describing it as illegitimate, unrepresentative, and contrary to democratic principles.
In a rejoinder issued on Friday, the party leaders expressed shock over a media report claiming that APC leaders in the constituency had finalized zoning arrangements for the 2027 general elections. They described the development as “a travesty and an affront to the democratic ideals of the party.”
The stakeholders raised concerns over the conduct of the meeting, alleging that it was convened by a select group of individuals without adequate consultation or proper notice to the wider party structure.
According to the statement, the meeting lacked broad representation, as many critical stakeholders were neither informed nor present. As a result, the resolutions reached, including decisions on zoning for the House of Representatives and State House of Assembly seats, were declared null and void.
The group also faulted the timing of the meeting, noting that it coincided with the party’s National Convention, where many key stakeholders were actively engaged in official party assignments. They suggested that the timing indicated “premeditated interests” aimed at sidelining broader participation.
Furthermore, the stakeholders emphasized that the APC had yet to release official guidelines for the conduct of primary elections, making any zoning arrangement at this stage premature and inconsistent with party rules.
They warned that such unilateral decisions could undermine unity within the party in the constituency, describing the move as a potential “power play” capable of destabilizing existing structures.
The statement also dismissed the credibility of the attendance sheet attached to the meeting’s resolutions, alleging that not all individuals listed had consented to the decisions reached.
The stakeholders, therefore, called for a more inclusive and transparent process, urging the convening of a wider meeting involving all relevant party members to deliberate on zoning and other critical issues ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We reject this zoning arrangement and will not recognize it,” the statement read. “We remain committed to advocating for a process that reflects the collective will of the people and upholds the principles of fairness, inclusiveness, and transparency.”
The rejoinder was jointly signed by Princess Mojibade Adetona, Oyo South Senatorial Women Leader; Alhaji Habib Ibrahim, former Executive Chairman of Ibarapa Central Local Government; and Hon. Gbemileke Olawoore, former Caretaker Chairman of Ibarapa Central Local Government, on behalf of APC stakeholders in the constituency.
