Political conversations ahead of the 2027 and 2031 elections in Oyo State have continued to generate heated reactions, especially within the ranks of the All Progressives Congress. One controversial narrative currently making the rounds alleges that the real political battle is not even about 2027, but about a long-term succession strategy allegedly designed to position Zacch Adedeji as the APC governorship candidate in 2031.
The theory, which many political observers describe as either an elaborate conspiracy or a calculated political playback, has sparked intense debate across political circles in Ibadan and beyond. While there is no official confirmation from the Presidency or the APC leadership to support these claims, supporters of the theory insist that recent political developments within the Oyo APC may not be ordinary coincidences.
According to the narrative, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu allegedly has no immediate long-term governorship plan for the APC in Oyo State that involves the current frontline contenders such as Adebayo Adelabu, Teslim Folarin, or Sarafadeen Alli. Instead, the claim suggests that the political calculations are strategically being arranged to prepare the ground for Zacch Adedeji ahead of the 2031 governorship race.
Those promoting the theory argue that the alleged strategy involves gradually weakening or politically containing major APC power blocs in Oyo State. They claim Adelabu has been politically weakened over time despite his influence and visibility within the party, while Teslim Folarin is allegedly being politically pacified and neutralized.
The most controversial part of the theory centers on Senator Sarafadeen Alli. According to proponents of the narrative, Alli is being tactically elevated because some forces within the APC allegedly believe he lacks the political strength to ultimately win the governorship election. Critics of this theory, however, argue that such claims unfairly underestimate Alli’s grassroots structure and political relevance across Oyo State.
The conspiracy theory further alleges that there is a deliberate attempt to create a future justification for zoning the governorship ticket outside Ibadan in 2031. Political analysts have long acknowledged that zoning remains a sensitive issue in Oyo politics, especially considering the dominance of Ibadan in the state’s political structure.
Supporters of the theory point to ongoing political alignments involving former Oyo State governor and current Rasheed Ladoja as part of a broader reconciliation effort allegedly aimed at calming Ibadan political interests ahead of future zoning negotiations.
Another major claim is that Zacch Adedeji, who hails from Ogbomoso and currently serves as Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, is allegedly building a formidable political structure quietly through alliances within the APC. The theory claims that some of these structures are indirectly tied to the anticipated 2027 governorship election.
It is also being speculated that one of Adedeji’s close relatives or political allies could emerge as a deputy governorship candidate in 2027 to strengthen political networks in Ibadan ahead of the 2031 calculations. However, there is currently no verified evidence publicly confirming such arrangements.
Despite the growing discussions, many political observers insist the entire narrative remains speculative and should be treated cautiously. Others believe Nigerian politics has repeatedly shown that long-term succession plans are often crafted years ahead behind closed doors.
Meanwhile, supporters of Governor Seyi Makinde dismiss the entire APC speculation as political fantasy. They argue that Makinde’s strong political grip, infrastructural projects, and influence across Oyo State may still shape the state’s political direction long after his tenure ends.
Some loyalists even believe that if the Peoples Democratic Party successfully manages continuity through a strong successor — with names like Abimbola Adekanbi being mentioned in political conversations — the APC could struggle to reclaim the state regardless of any alleged 2031 masterplan.
As political tension gradually builds toward 2027, one major question continues to dominate discussions among APC supporters in Oyo State: are influential party loyalists unknowingly fighting battles that may never favour them in the long run?
For followers of Adelabu and Teslim Folarin, political analysts advise caution, strategic patience, and stronger grassroots engagement rather than depending entirely on internal party assurances. In Nigerian politics, loyalty without structure often leads to disappointment, while political relevance is usually determined by independent influence, negotiation power, and grassroots acceptance.
Whether this controversial theory eventually proves true or remains another exaggerated political conspiracy, one thing is certain — the battle for the future of Oyo State politics has already begun.
0 Comments