Abdullah Bello backs APC ahead of 2027 after alleging irregularities in Oyo primary, pledging to mobilise supporters for party unity and victory
All Progressives Congress aspirant for Irepo/Orelope/Olorunsogo Federal Constituency in Oyo State, Abdullah Bello, announced in Ibadan on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, that he had stepped back from his 2027 House of Representatives ambition and would support the APC despite alleging irregularities in the party’s primary process.
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Bello said the decision followed a reconciliation meeting convened by the APC National Chairman and members of the National Working Committee with about 42 aspirants from Oyo State’s 33 local government areas.
According to Bello, the NWC acknowledged responsibility for what he described as “manifest irregularities and injustices” during the nomination exercise.
Bello said the party leadership also placed on record that no candidate had emerged through what could be regarded as a credible and properly conducted process.
“On Old Irepo Federal Constituency, I stated unequivocally that there was neither a primary election nor a consensus arrangement for the Federal House of Representatives or the State House of Assembly,” Bello said.
He further alleged that imposition had occurred across the state’s 33 local government areas.
Bello argued that the candidate imposed in his constituency lacked the political capital and public credibility required to strengthen the party’s prospects.
Despite the concerns, Bello said consultations with stakeholders, elders and grassroots leaders had convinced him to put party unity ahead of his personal ambition.
“I am now stepping down my ambition and mobilising for the party ahead of the 2027 general elections, despite irregularities in the primary process,” he said.
The decision means Abdullah Bello backs APC despite his unresolved objections to how the nomination exercise was conducted.
Bello stressed that withdrawing from the contest should not be interpreted as surrender. He described his political ambition as a call to service rather than a do-or-die pursuit.
“This decision must not be misconstrued as surrender or as a deficit of conviction,” he said. “My aspiration to serve the good people of Old Irepo Federal Constituency has, from inception, not been a do-or-die pursuit. It is a call to service.”
Bello said he was “sheathing the sword” in response to the intervention by the APC National Chairman, while maintaining that his decision did not amount to legitimising what he considered an unfair process.
He urged the national leadership to use the opportunity to rebuild confidence among party members, particularly young members, and restore cohesion within the Oyo APC.
The aspirant also moved to dispel speculation that his disagreement with the party could lead to defection.
“Let me state without ambiguity: I am not defecting from the APC. My commitment to the growth, stability and success of the party remains total and unshaken,” Bello said.
He called on his supporters to remain calm and disciplined and to avoid actions that could amount to anti-party activities.
Bello acknowledged the disappointment among his supporters, who he said had made significant sacrifices during the political struggle.
“I acknowledge your pain, your frustration and the huge sacrifices you invested in this struggle. I honour you all,” he said.
His appeal for restraint comes as parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections, when internal cohesion and grassroots mobilisation are expected to play an important role in determining electoral strength.
For Bello, the immediate priority is now party unity and mobilisation, even as his concerns over the APC’s nomination process remain on record.
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“Politics is not war. Vengeance multiplies injury. It does not heal,” he said.
