Oyewale’s Alleged Defection Sparks Debate Over ‘Unfair Treatment’ and Internal Crisis in Oluyole APC

Reports of a possible defection by Idowu Oyewale have triggered renewed debate within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oluyole, as party members and political observers revisit long-standing allegations of internal marginalisation and unresolved disputes dating back to 2023.

Although the politician has not formally confirmed his departure from the party, close associates say he may feel justified should he ultimately take that step, citing what they describe as repeated injustices from party leaders.

According to multiple sources, the situation dates back to the 2023 primary election, which Oyewale won but which was allegedly overturned through result manipulation.

He subsequently approached the courts, but the APC leadership reportedly prevailed on him, through Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, to withdraw the suit, promising to address the irregularities. Those assurances, supporters say, were never fulfilled.

The controversy resurfaced during the 2026 Congress, which several stakeholders have described as another flashpoint of internal crisis.

Party members allege that the exercise was used as a tool against those perceived as unwilling to compromise their principles, particularly loyalists of Akande-Sadipe, who had been criticised in some quarters for prioritising community development projects, including school construction, transformer installations, and road improvements, over political patronage.

Tensions escalated when the consensus arrangement in the local government was again deemed “flawed,” with claims that a minority faction imposed decisions that sidelined the majority.

Notably, the sitting federal representative was reportedly not carried along in the process. Despite overwhelming grassroots support for Oyewale to emerge as Local Government Chairman, the Director-General of Sumbo Olugbemi’s 2023 campaign was announced as the preferred choice of the leadership.

Party insiders allege that inducements influenced the final outcome, aimed at weakening the resolve of members who had remained steadfast in their support for Akande-Sadipe, especially during the 2024 polls.

However, the majority reportedly maintained their position, insisting that their loyalty was tied to the development and progress of Oluyole, not personal interests.

In an effort to prevent a further breakdown within the party, Akande-Sadipe has reportedly reached out to Oyewale through multiple emissaries, appealing to him not to abandon his more than four decades of membership in the APC.

Sources familiar with the discussions say Oyewale has expressed deep disappointment, arguing that he was urged to withdraw a court case he believed he would have won in the interest of party unity, yet no reconciliation or structural correction followed.

Meanwhile, a growing number of APC members and community stakeholders in Oluyole have warned that they may withdraw from the 2027 elections entirely if Akande-Sadipe is not on the ballot.

Many argue that her tenure marked a turning point for the constituency, contrasting it with the experience under previous representatives, including Olugbemi between 2015 and 2019, whom they say delivered less visible development.

For now, uncertainty persists over Oyewale’s next political move. But within APC Oluyole, the latest controversy has deepened concerns about internal cohesion ahead of the 2027 election cycle, raising questions about whether reconciliation is still possible, or whether the party risks further fragmentation.

OYO NEWS