HoR: Group wants APC to disqualify Akande-Sadipe, Olugbemi from contesting Oluyole primaries over anti-party allegations
BY STEPHEN GBADAMOSI
A political pressure group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oluyole Federal Constituency of Oyo State known as the Concerned Elders Forum APC Oluyole Federal Constituency has called on the national leadership of the party to disqualify the incumbent member representing Oluyole Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Honourable Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, and former federal lawmaker, Honourable Olusunbo Olugbemi, from participating in the forthcoming APC primary election.
The group made its position known through a petition dated May 11, 2026, addressed to the National Chairman of the APC in Abuja, alleging that both aspirants were involved in dual party membership, contrary to the constitution of the party and the Electoral Act.
According to the elders, the development poses “a serious threat to the unity and credibility of the APC in Oluyole Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.”
The elders specifically alleged that Honourable Akande-Sadipe still maintained strong political affiliations with the Accord, despite currently serving in the National Assembly on the APC ticket.
They cited the recent movement of several political loyalists associated with her political structure into the Accord, allegedly led by the Director General of her political movement, Honourable Samuel Idowu.
According to the petition, the development raised fresh concerns among party leaders about the true political loyalty of the lawmaker and the future direction of her political camp.
On the case of Honourable Olugbemi, the petitioners recalled that the former lawmaker openly left the APC after the 2019 primary election and subsequently contested the House of Representative election on the ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The forum alleged that despite his return to political activities within APC circles, he had not convincingly demonstrated full political reintegration into the party structure, insisting that his continued association with ADC amounted to political double dealing.
In the petition, the Concerned Elders Forum alleged that Honourable Akande-Sadipe still maintained political links with the Accord, despite seeking to contest again on the APC ticket.
The elders pointed to the recent movement of several members of her political structure into the Accord, an action they claimed raised questions about her political loyalty and continued commitment to the APC.
The forum also accused Honourable Olugbemi of maintaining membership of the ADC, after leaving the APC, following the party’s 2019 primary election.
The group recalled that Olugbemi contested the 2019 House of Representatives election on the ADC ticket and alleged that he had continued to maintain political relationships outside the APC, while seeking to return to contest under the ruling party.
The elders argued that the APC ought to protect its internal democratic process by ensuring that only loyal and committed party members were allowed to participate in its primary election.
They warned that permitting aspirants allegedly associated with other political parties to contest for the APC ticket could create avoidable controversies and legal challenges capable of affecting the party’s chances in the general elections.
According to the forum, the leadership of the APC ought to send a clear message that the party remained disciplined and guided by its constitution.
The elders further maintained that party members who remained loyal during difficult political periods should not be sidelined in favour of politicians allegedly operating across multiple political platforms.
The petition also called on the APC leadership to thoroughly investigate the allegations and take necessary disciplinary measures against anyone found guilty of anti-party activities or dual party membership.
The group stressed that the future of the APC in Oluyole Federal Constituency depended largely on transparency, loyalty, and adherence to party principles.
