Release our mandate’: APC stakeholders protest in Ilorin over Ipaiye/Malete/Oloru primary

Stakeholders and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Ipaiye/Malete/Oloru State Constituency on Friday staged a peaceful protest at the party’s state secretariat in Ilorin, demanding that the outcome of the constituency’s primary election be respected.

The protesters, who converged on the party secretariat, insisted that the mandate of Hajia Kafayat Amidu Akeju, whom they said emerged winner of the APC primary election, should be upheld by the party leadership.

According to the aggrieved stakeholders, Akeju polled 5,141 votes in the primary election to defeat the incumbent lawmaker representing the constituency, Hon. Lawal Ayanshola Saliu, who secured 2,691 votes.

Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Release Our Mandate,” “Respect the People’s Choice,” and “No to Imposition,” the protesters urged the APC leadership to remain committed to fairness, transparency, and internal democracy.

They maintained that the votes cast by party members reflected the collective decision of delegates and should not be disregarded, warning that any attempt to alter the outcome of the primary could undermine confidence in the party.

The stakeholders further stressed that honouring the result of the primary election would strengthen party unity and reinforce public trust as preparations gather momentum for the 2027 general elections.

Addressing the protesters on behalf of the party leadership, an APC staff member appealed for calm, explaining that the State Executive Committee members were not present at the secretariat.

The official also urged party members to disregard candidate lists circulating on social media, describing them as unofficial.

According to the staff member, only candidate lists bearing the APC’s official logo and released through the State Publicity Secretary should be regarded as authentic.

The protesters, however, reiterated their demand that the party should officially recognise and uphold what they described as the people’s mandate in favour of Hajia Kafayat Amidu Akeju.