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From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
The leadership crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oluyole federal constituency of Oyo State, took a fresh turn over the weekend as one of the party’s House of Representatives aspirants, Abiodun Gbolagade, alleged that the incumbent lawmaker, Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, vacated her residence to avoid being served court papers over the disputed primary election.
Gbolagade, who insists he won the APC primary for the 2027 House of Representatives election, made the allegation while addressing journalists in Ibadan.
According to him, the legal battle followed what he described as the wrongful recognition of Akande-Sadipe as the party’s candidate despite the outcome of the direct primary election.
He claimed officials of the Federal High Court had encountered difficulties serving the lawmaker with court processes because she had allegedly moved out of her known residence in the constituency.
“The bailiff attempted to serve her, but we later discovered she had packed out of the house. As of today, nobody can say she is still living there. We believe she can only be reached through her constituency office or family house,” Gbolagade alleged.
He maintained that the matter had already come before the Federal High Court for its first hearing and expressed confidence that the judiciary would determine the dispute.
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The APC chieftain reiterated that the party conducted its primary through the direct primary system at designated coalition centres communicated to all aspirants.
He alleged that Akande-Sadipe did not participate in the officially recognised exercise, insisting that he emerged winner after polling 2,315 votes, while the incumbent lawmaker secured 33 votes through her supporters.
He further claimed that reports later emerged declaring Akande-Sadipe the winner of a parallel primary, prompting him to seek judicial intervention.
“We decided to follow the rule of law because we believe the mandate freely given to us by the APC members must be protected,” he said.
He also dismissed rumours that he and his supporters were considering leaving the APC, insisting that they remained committed to the party while awaiting the outcome of the court case.
Akande-Sadipe has yet to publicly respond to Gbolagade’s allegations. The dispute over the APC ticket for the Oluyole Federal Constituency remains before the Federal High Court.
