As political activities ahead of the 2027 governorship election begin to intensify in Oyo State, no fewer than 11 aspirants have obtained the All Progressives Congress (APC) expression of interest and nomination forms to contest for the party’s ticket.
The aspirants have reportedly undergone screening by the party in Abuja as preparations for the election continue to gather momentum across the state.
Among the contenders, eight are from Ibadan, while two are from the Oke Ogun axis and one from Ogbomoso. The growing number of aspirants has sparked conversations within the APC over zoning, consensus arrangements and the choice of a suitable candidate to succeed Governor Seyi Makinde after his tenure ends in 2027.
Those from Ibadan include Senator Sharafadeen Alli, former Minister of Power Bayo Adelabu, Dr Adewale Kareem, Barrister Akeem Agbaje, Engineer Akeem Alao, Dr Ayobami Lam-Adesina, Prince Asanke Asatola and Ololade Usman.
Other aspirants in the race are Senator Abdulfatai Buhari from Ogbomoso, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin from Oke Ogun, and former Deputy Governor Rauf Olaniyan, who is also from Oke Ogun.
Oyo State has five major political zones — Ibadan, Ibarapa, Ogbomoso, Oke Ogun and Oyo. Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, Ibadan has largely dominated the governorship seat, with the late Adebayo Alao-Akala remaining the only governor from outside the Ibadan axis during that period.
The ongoing contest has revived debates about whether the APC should maintain Ibadan’s long-standing dominance or shift attention to another zone in the state.
Reports also suggest that the APC may be considering a consensus arrangement for the governorship ticket, although the party has not officially confirmed such a move.
Speaking on the development, political analyst and senior lecturer at Lead City University, Dr Bayonle Busari, described the large number of aspirants as a healthy sign for the party.
According to him, the APC should focus more on competence, experience and track records rather than the geographical origin of the aspirants.
Busari noted that the aspirants include experienced politicians, technocrats, financial experts and former public office holders capable of leading the state effectively.
He stressed that voters should prioritise performance and leadership qualities over zoning considerations when choosing the eventual candidate for the election.
