APC Ogun East selection risk warning grows as concerns rise over candidate screening and potential legal vulnerabilities ahead of 2027 elections

As the 2027 general elections draw closer, political parties across Nigeria are intensifying efforts to present candidates with strong electoral value, credibility, and clean records, individuals whose emergence will not expose the party to legal vulnerabilities before, during, or after the elections.

Also read: APC warned against screening Abiodun as court moves to probe alleged false oath, U.S. criminal record claim

For the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ogun State remains a strategic stronghold that must not be lost under any circumstance.

Encouragingly, the party has taken a commendable step with the emergence of Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) as a leading figure.

This momentum must, however, be sustained through careful selection of candidates for the remaining positions, particularly the senatorial seats, House of Representatives, and State Assembly slots.

The Need for Due Diligence
The APC must avoid costly mistakes by ensuring that all aspirants undergo thorough scrutiny, especially regarding their academic credentials and documentation.

Failure to do so has, in the past, led to severe political setbacks.

Lessons from Past Political Disqualifications
Nigeria’s political history is replete with cautionary tales:

Ifeanyi Ubah (2019 case)
A Federal High Court nullified his election after finding inconsistencies in his academic credentials, leading to the withdrawal of his Certificate of Return by INEC.

Salisu Buhari (1999 scandal)
Forced to resign as Speaker of the House of Representatives after falsifying age and educational qualifications, including claims of a degree from the University of Toronto.

Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo (2020 Supreme Court ruling)
His disqualification over forged certificates led to the dramatic nullification of the APC’s governorship victory in Bayelsa State, just hours before inauguration.

Christian Abah (2017 ruling)
Removed from office after the Supreme Court confirmed he submitted a forged OND certificate.

Ogun East Senatorial Ticket: A Critical Decision
The Ogun East Senatorial race is shaping up as a contest between:

– Prince Dapo Abiodun
– Senator Gbenga Daniel

While both figures are politically significant, concerns have been raised regarding alleged inconsistencies in the documentation of Governor Dapo Abiodun… issues that have reportedly been subjects of legal scrutiny.

Why APC Must Exercise Caution
Fielding a candidate with unresolved legal or credential-related controversies could expose the APC to:

– Pre-election disqualification
– Post-election litigation risks
– Loss of electoral victory after polls
– Damage to party credibility

Given that elections for the presidency and National Assembly occur simultaneously, any avoidable controversy in Ogun East could have ripple effects on the party’s overall performance.

The APC must not sit on what can be described as a “political gunpowder.”

The party leadership both at the state and national levels must ensure that only candidates with verified credentials and unquestionable integrity are presented to the electorate.

Ogun East is too important to be gambled with.

Also read: Ondo APC youths back Tinubu re-election bid with strong push

A careful, transparent, and merit-based selection process will not only safeguard the party’s chances but also reinforce public confidence in its leadership.