2027: APC Screens 11 Governorship Aspirants In Oyo As Consensus Talks Intensify

No fewer than 11 aspirants have been screened by the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State, raising the stakes in the race for the party’s ticket.

Of the 11 aspirants, eight are from Ibadan, two are from the Oke Ogun axis, and one is from Ogbomoso.
The aspirants include Senator Sharafadeen Alli, Bayo Adelabu, Dr. Adewale Kareem, Barrister Akeem Agbaje, Engineer Akeem Alao, Dr. Ayobami Lam-Adesina, Prince Asanke Asatola and Ololade Usman, all from Ibadan.

Others are Senator Abdulfatai Buhari of Ogbomoso, as well as Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin and Engineer Rauf Olaniyan from Oke Ogun.

Political observers say the contest reflects Ibadan’s longstanding dominance in Oyo State politics since the return of democracy in 1999.

Former governors Lamidi Adesina, Rasidi Ladoja, the late Abiola Ajimobi and the incumbent governor, Seyi Makinde, are all linked to Ibadan, either by origin or political base.

The late Adebayo Alao-Akala remains the only governor from outside Ibadan, having hailed from Ogbomoso and served between 2007 and 2011.

With Governor Makinde expected to complete his second term in 2027, behind-the-scenes politicking within the APC has reportedly intensified ahead of the primary.

A party chieftain in Ibadan, who spoke anonymously, said the APC may settle for a consensus candidate.
According to him, party leaders have already informed stakeholders about the aspirant being considered for consensus adoption.
Meanwhile, a senior lecturer at Lead City University, Ibadan, Dr. Bayonle Busari, described the large number of aspirants as a positive development for the party.
Busari said attention should focus more on competence and leadership capacity than on the aspirants’ zones of origin.

He noted that the aspirants include experienced politicians, technocrats, entrepreneurs and financial experts with the credentials needed to govern the state effectively.

He added that voters should prioritise pedigree, performance and vision over ethnic or regional considerations in choosing Oyo State’s next governor.