ABUJA — A House of Representatives aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Ishaq Morufat Ajibola, popularly known as Bibire, has petitioned the party’s leadership, demanding immediate recognition as its candidate for the 2027 general elections.
Bibire, who is contesting to represent Ibadan Northeast/Ibadan Southeast Federal Constituency of Oyo State, said he won the party’s primary election held on May 16, 2026, but has yet to receive the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination form required to formalise his candidature.
In a petition dated July 13, 2026, and addressed to the Oyo State APC Chairman, with copies to the National Chairman, National Secretary and National Women Leader, the aspirant described the delay as unjust and capable of undermining the party’s internal democratic process.
“I write this petition… to bring to your attention an issue of grave concern which, if not urgently addressed, may occasion serious injustice to me and undermine the credibility of the Party’s internal democratic process,” he stated.
He added, “At the conclusion of the primary election… I was declared the winner… having emerged victorious in Ibadan Northeast Local Government Area and equally declared the winner in Ibadan Southeast.”
Bibire lamented that several weeks after the primary, the party had failed to issue him the necessary nomination documents, despite other successful candidates allegedly receiving theirs.
“The continued withholding of my nomination form is not only prejudicial to my rights… but also capable of frustrating the mandate freely given to me by Party members,” he said.
The aspirant urged the APC leadership to immediately confirm his status and issue all relevant INEC forms, warning that failure to act promptly could force him to explore other lawful options.
“I respectfully urge your office to give this petition urgent attention… and ensure that this matter is resolved within seven days… to avoid irreparable prejudice to my candidature,” he added.
Bibire stressed that he had remained loyal to the party and opted to pursue internal resolution mechanisms before considering legal action.
The development highlights growing tensions within political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, as disputes arising from primary elections continue to test internal democratic structures.
Under Nigeria’s Electoral Act, aggrieved aspirants are required to exhaust party dispute resolution channels before approaching the courts.
Political observers say the APC leadership now faces pressure to address the petition swiftly to avoid escalation and preserve party cohesion in Oyo State.
