APC Oyo North Senatorial Contest: No Anointed Candidate Yet, All Aspirants Await Party's Decision — Hon. Yusuf Hussaini Istijabah
KAKAKI OKEOGUN NEWS Reported that A leading aspirant for the Oyo North Senatorial seat under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Yusuf Hussaini Istijabah, has dispelled widespread rumours suggesting that the party has already settled for a candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Istijabah made this known while featuring on "The Okeogun Political," a political affairs programme aired on Kakaki Okeogun Media Studio via Facebook. During the interview, he addressed several issues relating to the future of the APC in Oyo North, party unity, youth development, and the security situation in the region.
Speaking on the alleged endorsement of a senatorial candidate, the APC stalwart described the reports as false, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary tension among party faithful and stakeholders.
According to him, no individual has been officially declared or endorsed as the APC candidate for the Oyo North Senatorial District, emphasizing that the party has not commenced the official process that would lead to the emergence of candidates for the 2027 elections.
He noted that all aspirants across the district are still consulting, engaging with stakeholders, and patiently awaiting directives and official declarations from the party leadership at the national level.
"The information circulating in some quarters that a candidate has already been picked is not true. As we speak, all aspirants are still waiting for the appropriate time and official declaration by the party. APC is a structured political party, and due process must be followed," he stated.
The senatorial hopeful stressed the importance of unity within the APC, warning against actions and statements capable of creating divisions among party members. He urged leaders, elders, stakeholders, and supporters of various aspirants to exercise caution and political maturity in handling issues concerning the party's future.
He maintained that the APC's chances of retaining and expanding its political influence in Oyo State and across Oyo North would largely depend on the ability of members to work together despite their political interests and ambitions.
Istijabah further appealed to party stakeholders to place the collective interest of the APC above personal aspirations, noting that the party's ultimate goal should be victory in the 2027 general elections and the continued development of the people.
He said, "This is not the time for unnecessary rivalry or political propaganda. What we need now is unity, understanding, and commitment to the progress of our party. If we remain united, APC will continue to grow stronger and record greater successes in future elections."
The politician also used the platform to speak directly to the youths of Oyo North and Oyo State at large. He encouraged them to remain law-abiding, focused, and committed to productive ventures that would contribute positively to society.
According to him, the youth remain a critical force in nation-building and political development, urging them not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of violence, division, or misinformation.
He charged young people to continue acquiring knowledge, developing leadership capacities, and participating constructively in the democratic process, assuring them that their voices and contributions remain important in shaping the future of the country.
On the security challenges affecting some parts of Oyo State, Istijabah expressed deep concern over the plight of teachers and schoolchildren from Orire Local Government Area who are currently in captivity.
He described the development as unfortunate and heartbreaking, calling on security agencies to intensify efforts towards ensuring the safe rescue of the victims.
The APC aspirant also offered prayers for the affected teachers, pupils, and their families, expressing hope that they would regain their freedom unharmed.
"We pray Almighty Allah to protect them wherever they are, strengthen their families during this difficult period, and grant wisdom and success to those working tirelessly to secure their release," he said.
He further called on residents of Oyo State and Nigerians in general to remain united in prayers and support for the victims while expressing confidence that the security agencies would continue to do everything within their capacity to bring the situation to a positive end.
Concluding the interview, Hon. Yusuf Hussaini Istijabah reaffirmed his commitment to the growth and development of Oyo North, promising to continue engaging with the people and contributing meaningfully to the advancement of the senatorial district.
He urged APC members across the zone to remain steadfast, loyal, and focused on the bigger objective of strengthening the party ahead of future electoral contests, insisting that the emergence of candidates should be left to the party's constitutional processes and internal democratic mechanisms.
The interview has since generated reactions among political observers and party supporters, with many describing his remarks as a call for unity, patience, and adherence to due process within the APC as preparations gradually begin for the 2027 electoral season.
By kakaki Okeogun News Publisher
