Afijio PDP Crisis: Concerned Group Rejects ‘Minority Consensus’, Urges Makinde’s Urgent Intervention to Avert Crisis
A concerned group of stakeholders within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Afijio Local Government has intensified its rejection of the purported “consensus election” allegedly conducted by a minority of party leaders, describing the process as not only illegitimate but deliberately exclusionary.
In a strongly worded rejoinder released on Monday, the group dismissed claims of the emergence of Hon. Oluwaseun Oyewo as a consensus candidate, insisting that the exercise was a sham designed to impose a candidate without due consultation or adherence to democratic norms.
The group revealed that several prominent and recognized party leaders across Afijio were neither invited nor informed about the said meeting held on April 5, 2026, thereby invalidating any decision reached therein.
Those reportedly excluded include:
Chief Sunday Ogunlade – Overall Leadership
Alh. Adebayo Amusat – Fiditi
Iya Ashado – Akinmorin
Engr. Niyi Oyewo – Akinmorin
Baba Adetunji – Jobele
Mr. Owolabi Olajide – Fiditi
Hon. Gbenga Okeleye – Fiditi
Hon. Gbade – Iware
Mr. Adeyi – Awe
Mr. Ajibade – Iware
Iya Ewe – Awe
According to the group, the exclusion of these key stakeholders further exposes the illegitimacy of the exercise, noting that any process that sidelines such critical figures cannot be described as inclusive or representative.
“It is unacceptable that a handful of individuals will gather in secrecy, exclude majority of statutory leaders, and attempt to force a decision on the entire party. This is a clear recipe for crisis and division,” the statement read.
The group reiterated that only 8 out of the 17 recognized party leaders participated in the meeting, stressing that such minority action violates both party principles and the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.
Citing Sections 84(9) and 84(10) of the Act, the group maintained that a valid consensus process must involve the voluntary written consent of all aspirants, failing which a credible primary election remains the only lawful alternative.
They further condemned reports that aspirants were coerced into signing undertakings restricting defection, describing it as evidence of desperation and a pre-arranged plot to stifle opposition within the party.
Warning of the dangerous consequences of allowing such actions to stand, the group said the development is already creating tension and mistrust among members and leaders, which could ultimately jeopardize the unity and electoral chances of the PDP in Afijio.
The group therefore called on the leadership of the PDP in Oyo State and the Executive Governor, Seyi Makinde, to urgently wade into the matter and ensure that justice, fairness, and due process prevail.
“This is not just about one candidate; it is about protecting the integrity of our party and preventing avoidable division. Timely intervention by the state leadership is necessary to avert a full-blown crisis,” the group stated.
They concluded by reaffirming that Afijio PDP must be guided by transparency, inclusiveness, and the rule of law, stressing that only a credible primary election can produce a widely accepted candidate and sustain party unity.
