Oyo APC Confirms National Assembly Candidates List Stays Unchanged

July 10, 2026 4 min read

The All Progressives Congress in Oyo State has officially confirmed that its list of candidates for the National Assembly remains unchanged, party officials said Saturday. The declaration puts to rest speculation that the party might alter its lineup ahead of the upcoming elections. Political observers in Ibadan had been closely watching for any signals from the party's National Working Committee following weeks of internal consultations.

Party Leadership Confirms Stability

Prince Kehinde Alao, the party's state publicity secretary, addressed reporters at the APC secretariat in Ibadan on Saturday afternoon. He stated clearly that the National Working Committee had not issued any directive to modify the existing candidates list for the Senate and House of Representatives seats. "Our candidates are fully in place and ready for the elections," Alao told journalists. The statement came after local media outlets had carried reports suggesting potential changes to the party's lineup in certain senatorial zones.

Inside the APC Structure

The All Progressives Congress has governed Oyo State since 2019 under Governor Seyi Makinde. The party has been working to strengthen its position ahead of the National Assembly elections. Sources within the party say the decision to maintain the current list reflects confidence in the chosen candidates. Several of the candidates have previously contested elections or held positions in government. The state chapter has emphasized unity as the general election approaches.

The Candidates and Their Districts

The party's senatorial candidates cover the three senatorial districts of Oyo, Oyo Central, and Oyo North. House of Representatives candidates represent various constituencies across the state's 32 local government areas. Party officials insist all candidates have completed their nomination processes and obtained required documents from the Independent National Electoral Commission. The APC's state executive committee held a meeting last week to assess preparations and review campaign strategies.

What Triggered the Speculation

Local political circles had been buzzing with rumours for nearly two weeks before the official confirmation. Some APC members in specific local government areas had publicly expressed concerns about candidate selection in their districts. Party sources say those grievances were reviewed internally but ultimately did not warrant changes to the official list. The party's National Working Committee, based in Abuja, retains final authority over candidate lists under the party's constitution. The Oyo State chapter was required to forward its validated list to the national body by the deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Opposition Parties Respond

The opposition People's Democratic Party in Oyo State has been campaigning aggressively, particularly in urban areas like Ibadan. PDP spokespersons have criticised the APC's candidate selection process, calling it exclusionary. However, APC officials have dismissed those criticisms as politically motivated. The ruling party says its candidates were selected through a transparent process that followed party guidelines. Internal party elections were held earlier this year to determine the final candidate list.

What Happens Next

With the candidate list now officially confirmed, the APC in Oyo State can move forward with its campaign activities without further internal distraction. Party workers are expected to begin mobilisation efforts across all local government areas within the coming weeks. The Independent National Electoral Commission has set the general election date for February 2025. Political analysts say the stability of the APC list gives the party a clearer path to campaign season compared to parties still managing internal disputes over candidate selection.

Citizens Watch the Process

Residents across Oyo State have been paying attention to candidate announcements from all major parties. Many voters in Ibadan and surrounding communities say they want to see what policies and programmes each candidate will champion. Voter registration figures show increased interest in the upcoming elections, particularly among young people in urban centres. Community leaders in some areas have called on all parties to conduct issue-based campaigns rather than personal attacks. The APC's confirmation of its candidate list marks one of the final steps before official campaigns begin.

Oyo State will hold its elections under heightened security arrangements coordinated with federal authorities. Voters should verify their registration status and polling unit locations before election day, electoral officials have advised. The state electoral commission is working with security agencies to ensure peaceful conduct throughout the voting period. What remains to be seen is whether the unchanged candidate list will strengthen the APC's position or give opposition parties an opening to criticise the party's choices.