Oyo APC 2027: The Titans Eyeing the Governorship Ticket and the Battle for Agodi
As Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 general elections, Oyo State’s political landscape is steaming with anticipation, maneuvering, and strategic repositioning, especially within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). At the center of this stirring political drama is Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Nigeria’s Minister of Power and an APC gubernatorial aspirant, whose ambition to clinch the party’s ticket has stirred conversations across the state.
Adelabu’s statewide engagements and political consolidation exercises have reinforced speculation that he may emerge as the APC’s front-runner. However, he certainly isn’t running unopposed. A formidable line-up of powerful aspirants — each with their own strengths, political backing, and regional leverage — are also vying for the coveted APC ticket. This blog post dives deep into this high-stakes contest, profiling the key players, their political credentials, and what their aspirations mean for the future of Oyo politics.
🏆 The Front-runner: Adebayo Adelabu
📌 Profile Overview
Current Position: Minister of Power, Federal Republic of Nigeria
Political Party: All Progressives Congress (APC)
Previous Gubernatorial Runs: Contested in 2019 and 2023 for Oyo governorship
📊 Political Strengths and Strategy
Chief Adebayo Adelabu is arguably the most recognized aspirant within APC’s roster. His political journey — from a credible run in the 2019 election to his federal appointment — reflects both resilience and rising influence. In recent months, he has embarked on intensive consultations with APC stakeholders across Oyo, advocating for party unity and reconciliation as key ingredients to wresting power from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2027.
Adelabu’s choice of the slogan “Èmi lókàn”, reminiscent of President Tinubu’s successful presidential campaign, is strategic, framing his bid as timely, deserved, and divinely ordained. According to his campaign narrative, having contested twice before and remained steadfast, 2027 is “his turn” to govern Oyo State.
Furthermore, he has used his federal influence to strengthen grassroots networks within APC and has courted key interest groups, including youth organizations, media practitioners, and professional bodies, to widen his support base.
📌 Challenges
Despite his towering profile, criticisms follow Adelabu. Some grassroots detractors argue that his federal position has distanced him from the everyday struggles of ordinary Oyo citizens. Others point to APC’s loss in the Ibadan North by-election as evidence of his limited sway in urban strongholds — though his defenders dismiss this as unrelated to his gubernatorial ambitions.
🧠 Other Major Contenders in the APC Race
While Adelabu may be the most visible contender, a cohort of influential politicians are equally interested in the ticket:
🟡 🇳 Honorable Remi Oseni
Background: Well regarded in his constituency; respected grassroots politician.
Strengths: Known for strong constituency-level connections and community development work.
2027 Ambition: Reportedly seeking the APC governorship ticket, though yet to mount a public campaign at scale.
Oseni’s local influence, particularly among loyal followers in his area, positions him as a viable dark horse should he consolidate broader APC support.
🟢 Senator Sarafadeen Alli
Political History: Former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and one-time gubernatorial aspirant.
Geopolitical Footing: An illustrious son of Ibadan with deep roots in the South-West political terrain.
Though his current visibility is not as pronounced as Adelabu’s, Alli brings the weight of experience and state-level administration knowledge to the contest.
❤️ Senator Abdulfatai “Fatia” Buhari
Political Career: Two-term federal lawmaker (Senator representing Oyo North).
2027 Intent: Has publicly declared his interest in shifting from the Senate to contesting for the governorship seat.
Buhari’s transition from the legislative arm to executive aspiration underlines his belief that his experience in policymaking can translate into effective state leadership.
🔵 Senator Teslim Folarin
A veteran of Nigerian politics, Folarin’s name often surfaces in discussions around the 2027 race. Although he has not officially declared, rumors suggest his interest might be influenced by strategic negotiations within the APC leadership — particularly after recent reconciliation efforts between party factions.
🔶 Adebayo Shittu
Political Legacy: Longtime political agitator for equitable regional representation within Oyo State.
Campaign Focus: Strongly advocates for zoning the governorship seat to the northern part of the state (Oke Ogun).
Shittu contested the 2011 governorship election under a different party, giving him an experienced edge. Though his influence has fluctuated, his stakeholders command respect in strategic Oke Ogun communities.
🟣 Abiodun Adeoye
Background: Relatively lesser-known compared to other aspirants.
Political Base: From the Oke Ogun region.
While not as high-profile, Adeoye’s candidacy could attract support from factions eager to see a fresh face in leadership.
🤝 APC Party Dynamics and Internal Challenges
🗳 Internal Democracy vs. Imposition Fears
One of the recurring themes in the lead-up to the APC primaries is the demand for internal democracy. Though Adelabu claims not to have any imposition agenda, some party stakeholders whisper fears of behind-the-scenes influence. Recent statements from Adelabu emphasize that “no candidate will be imposed on the party” — a crucial reassurance for aspirants and APC members craving procedural fairness.
🧠 Youth and Grassroots Mobilization
APC youth leaders have embarked on aggressive mobilisation campaigns to reclaim Oyo State from the current PDP administration led by Governor Seyi Makinde, underscoring a generational push for change.
This youth-driven momentum could significantly influence outcomes in grassroots APC primaries, making early outreach and party unity paramount.
📌 The Wider Political Battlefield: PDP & Gov. Makinde
While this piece focuses on APC, it’s vital to note that Governor Seyi Makinde remains a major political figure in Oyo State. His performance and clout will inevitably shape the competitive landscape in 2027 — especially if PDP fields a strong candidate from a key geopolitical zone like Ibadan or Oke Ogun.
If the opposition consolidates unity and voter confidence — especially in urban centers — APC’s dominance could be challenged. This makes APC’s internal cohesion all the more critical.
📈 Key Takeaways Ahead of the Primaries
🟢 Adebayo Adelabu’s Position
Seen as the favorite among APC leaders and structures in Abuja due to federal prominence and political network reach.
Must navigate grassroots skepticism and unify aspirants to avoid primary fractures.
🔵 Other Aspirants
Bring regional balance, political experience, and constituency loyalty — all vital factors in a successful statewide campaign.
⚠️ APC’s Future Hinges On
Internal unity,
Transparent primaries,
Strategic mobilisation across all zones of Oyo State,
And the ability to manage cross-faction interests before the general election battle.
🔥 Closing Thought
The 2027 Oyo gubernatorial race within the APC is more than a contest for a ticket — it’s a microcosm of Nigeria’s evolving political calculus, where identity, influence, strategy, and unity determine victory. Whether Adelabu secures the ticket or yields to emerging rivals, the fight for Agodi Government House promises spectacle, tension, and historical significance.
Stay tuned as this political drama unfolds — because in the world of Nigerian politics, the game has only just begun. 🗳️🇳🇬
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