Concerns Mount in APC Over Senator Folarin’s Alleged Moves Against Lawmakers
Tensions are reportedly mounting within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, as concerns grow over the role of Senator Teslim Folarin in what party stakeholders describe as emerging internal divisions.
Sources within the party allege that the former gubernatorial candidate has vowed to stop several current state House members from returning to the National Assembly in the next election cycle—a move that deepens fears of factional conflict at a time when the party is striving to present a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to insiders familiar with the situation, Senator Folarin is said to have privately expressed determination to block the re-election bids of four APC lawmakers:
1. Hon. Lafisoye Akinmoyede – Representing Lagelu/Akinyele Federal Constituency
2. Hon. Akeem Adeyemi (Skimeh) – Representing Afijio/Atiba/Oyo East/Oyo West Federal Constituency
3. Hon. Tajudeen Abisodun (Were) – Representing Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West Federal Constituency
4. Hon. Akin Alabi – Representing Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency
Party insiders suggest the lawmakers’ perceived offense was their early alignment with the political direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as their endorsement of the Minister of Power, Oloye Bayo Adelabu, as a potential governorship candidate for Oyo State.
Sources say the four legislators are now viewed by Senator Folarin as political adversaries within the party—particularly because their endorsement signaled support for a gubernatorial trajectory distinct from his own ambitions.
Despite apparent presidential backing for Adelabu’s potential candidacy, Senator Folarin is believed to remain interested in contesting the governorship again, setting the stage for a possible internal rivalry.
One source within the party claimed that Folarin has told close aides and political associates that he would ensure the lawmakers do not secure APC tickets for re-election.
He reportedly emphasized that he would make certain “especially that Akin Alabi” does not return to the House of Representatives.
However, party insiders also indicate that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Senator Folarin to exercise restraint, cautioning against actions that could undermine the fragile unity recently rebuilt within the Oyo State APC chapter.
The intervention reportedly came amid growing concern among party leaders that renewed internal battles could weaken the APC’s chances of reclaiming the governorship in the state.
Political observers also note that Senator Folarin currently serves as the Renewed Hope Ambassador for Oyo State—a role intended to promote the president’s agenda and strengthen party cohesion across the state.
Critics argue that this position places a responsibility on him to support broadly accepted candidates and maintain party harmony, rather than deepen factional divides.
As the 2027 political cycle slowly approaches, many APC stakeholders in Oyo State are calling for discipline, unity, and respect for the party’s collective interests.
They warn that internal rivalries and political vendettas could jeopardize the APC’s chances of returning to power in the state, especially at a time when the party is working to rebuild its grassroots structure.
Whether the party leadership will successfully manage the emerging tensions remains to be seen, but the situation has already sparked intense discussions among party members about loyalty, ambition, and the future direction of the APC in Oyo State.
