A coalition of youth groups in Ekiti State has strongly rejected alleged moves to impose candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, calling instead for transparent, credible, and democratic primary processes within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Patriotic Movement (PM), in a press statement urged Governor Biodun Oyebanji and party leaders to uphold internal democracy by ensuring a free and fair primary election for the Ekiti Central House of Representatives seat.
According to the group’s leader, David Adegboyega, any attempt to manipulate the process or impose a third-term incumbent through indirect means—particularly via traditional institutions—would undermine democratic values and threaten political stability in the state.
“The strength of our democracy lies in the will of the people, not in backroom arrangements. We will firmly resist any attempt to impose candidates on the people,” Adegboyega stated.
The group’s position follows allegations by APC Compatriots that certain political actors are pressuring a royal father to endorse an underperforming lawmaker. The PM described such actions as inappropriate and warned against politicizing traditional institutions.
“Traditional institutions symbolize unity, dignity, and cultural heritage. They must remain strictly apolitical and should never be used as instruments for political advantage,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, in Ekiti North Senatorial District, the Ekiti North Progressive Youth Alliance (EKNPYA) has called for equity and fairness in the selection of the party’s 2027 senatorial candidate. The group is advocating that Ikole Local Government Area be given the opportunity to produce the next senator, noting that the area has not held the position since 1999.
Coordinator of EKNPYA, Tayelolu Ajayi, criticized the idea of automatic tickets for incumbent lawmakers, describing it as “political fraud” and a violation of democratic principles.
“Democracy must provide a level playing field. Automatic tickets promote entitlement over performance and deny capable aspirants the opportunity to serve,” Ajayi said.
He further emphasized that allowing Ikole to produce the next senatorial candidate would promote fairness, strengthen unity, and ensure more balanced development across the district.
Both groups reiterated that the Ekiti Central House of Representatives seat represents a broad constituency comprising Ado and Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Areas, as well as several communities, insisting that the interests of all stakeholders must be fairly represented.
“Public office is not personal property. Leadership is defined by impact, not tenure. Attempting to recycle ineffective leadership reflects a disregard for the electorate,” the groups stated.
The youth organizations jointly called on APC leadership to adopt direct primaries, ensure inclusiveness, and maintain a clear separation between traditional institutions and partisan politics.
They concluded by stressing that credible candidate selection processes will be critical to the party’s success in the 2027 elections.