Oyo APC Crisis Deepens as Chief Sanda Condemns Alleged Assault on Gafar Oyebade, Demands Urgent Probe

The internal crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has taken a violent turn following a strong condemnation by party elder, Chief Timothy Olukunle Sanda, over the alleged physical assault of a party chieftain, Gafar Oyebade, at the state secretariat in Ibadan.

The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the party’s rank and file, reportedly stems from a bitter dispute over the party structure in Lagelu Local Government Area. Speaking during a press briefing, Chief Sanda described the alleged attack as a “big shame” and a disgrace to the image of the party, particularly as it reportedly occurred in the presence of top state leadership.

Gafar Oyebade, a prominent figure in the Lagelu APC, alleged that he was lured to the secretariat under the guise of an invitation, only to be physically attacked during a heated argument over the local government’s secretary position. Oyebade specifically accused Honourable Olafisoye Akinmoyede, the lawmaker representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency, of orchestrating the assault—a claim the lawmaker has since denied.

Reacting to the development, Chief Sanda dismissed rumors that the victim was treated at his residence, clarifying that both a formal police report and a hospital report exist to document the severity of the injuries sustained. He warned that the party’s credibility is at stake and called on the National Executive Committee to intervene immediately to restore order and ensure that the remaining local government executives are properly sworn in.

The elder statesman also seized the moment to address the brewing 2027 political tension, declaring that the House of Representatives seat must rotate to Akinyele Local Government Area in the next election cycle. “Everybody knows it is turn by turn; Lagelu does not have a candidate in 2027,” Sanda stated, a move expected to further heat up the political temperature within the constituency.

As security agencies begin their investigation, the fallout from the secretariat scuffle has exposed deep-seated factional struggles within the Oyo APC. With party elders now breaking their silence, the pressure is mounting on the national leadership to address the breakdown of discipline and leadership control before the rift becomes irreparable.