APC Crisis in Ibadan: Chief Sanda Demands Probe into Alleged Assault on Gafar Oyebade

The internal crisis within the All Progressives Congress in Ibadan has escalated significantly, following a strong condemnation by party elder Chief Timothy Olukunle Sanda over the alleged assault of Gafar Oyebade at the party secretariat.

What initially appeared to be a disagreement over party structure in Lagelu Local Government Area has now spiralled into a major controversy, exposing deep-rooted tensions around leadership control, internal discipline, and factional alignment within the party.

“A disgrace to the party” — Sanda reacts

Speaking during a press briefing, Chief Sanda described the alleged incident as deeply embarrassing and unacceptable, particularly given the calibre of individuals reportedly involved.

“It is not proper for an Honourable, someone people are looking up to, to assault another person. It is a big shame,” he said.

He further expressed shock that the alleged incident reportedly occurred within the party secretariat and in the presence of senior officials, raising concerns about accountability at the highest levels.

“Oyebade told me he was invited and asked to come alone. I encouraged him to go because I never imagined such could happen there,” Sanda added.

Alleged assault sparks outrage

According to accounts from Oyebade, the incident occurred during a tense meeting over the controversial secretary position in the Lagelu LGA chapter.

The disagreement reportedly degenerated into a physical confrontation, leaving Oyebade injured and requiring medical attention.

He specifically accused Olafisoye Akinmoyede, a member of the House of Representatives representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency, of being responsible for the assault. However, the lawmaker has strongly denied the allegation, maintaining that no such incident took place.

Sanda dismisses treatment rumours

Amid rising speculation, claims surfaced suggesting that Oyebade received initial medical treatment at Sanda’s residence. The APC elder firmly refuted the reports.

“Some people said he bandaged his hand in my house—do I have a nurse at home?” he asked.

He clarified that Oyebade was taken to a hospital for proper treatment, adding that both medical and police reports exist to substantiate that an incident occurred.

“These are documented facts that cannot be ignored,” he stressed.

Call for investigation and discipline

Chief Sanda has now called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the matter, urging both party leadership and security agencies to act decisively.

“This issue must not be swept under the carpet. The right thing must be done,” he said.

His remarks highlight growing unease within party ranks about how internal disputes are being handled—especially when they escalate into allegations of violence.

Deeper cracks in Lagelu APC structure

Beyond the immediate controversy, Sanda pointed to broader structural issues within the party in Lagelu LGA. He called on the national leadership of the APC to intervene and restore order.

According to him, unresolved disputes within the local chapter have stalled party administration, including the swearing-in of key executives.

“The national body must step in and ensure that due process is followed. We cannot continue like this,” he said.

2027 politics begins to take shape

In a development likely to influence future political alignments, Sanda also addressed zoning dynamics ahead of the 2027 elections.

He reaffirmed the rotational arrangement between Lagelu and Akinyele LGAs for the House of Representatives seat, stating clearly that it is Akinyele’s turn.

“Everybody knows it is turn by turn. Lagelu does not have a candidate in 2027,” he declared.

APC unity under pressure

The unfolding crisis has laid bare widening cracks within the APC in Oyo State. While the party has projected unity publicly, insiders say grassroots-level factional battles are intensifying—driven by competition over leadership positions and political influence.

With conflicting narratives and mounting calls for accountability, the spotlight is now on party authorities and security agencies to establish the facts and restore confidence.

For many observers, the situation goes beyond a single incident—it represents a critical test of discipline, leadership credibility, and the future stability of the APC in Oyo State.

Chief Sanda’s intervention signals that senior figures within the party are no longer willing to remain silent, raising the stakes for decisive action in the days ahead.