ENDORSEMENTS vs ALIGNMENTS: Inside the Power Play Shaping Oyo APC’s Governorship Race
In politics, not all endorsements carry equal weight—and not every alignment translates into real electoral strength. As the race for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Oyo State gathers momentum, the distinction between symbolic gestures and strategic consolidation is becoming increasingly clear.
While some aspirants are focused on grassroots mobilisation and coalition-building, others are leveraging high-level endorsements to signal dominance. Recently, Oyo APC governorship aspirant Agbaje made headlines by aligning with the City Boy Movement, a network widely associated with support for Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The move is widely interpreted as an attempt to tap into an existing political structure with deep grassroots reach, particularly among young and urban voters.
However, as party insiders note, the real test lies ahead. The APC primaries are expected to “separate the wheat from the chaff,” with aspirants needing more than symbolic alliances to secure the party’s ticket.
Ibadan Power Bloc Backs Adelabu
In a parallel development that underscores the importance of local political capital, key leaders in Ibadan have openly endorsed Adebayo Adelabu as their preferred candidate for the APC governorship ticket.
The endorsement took place during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting in Ibadan South-East Local Government, drawing influential figures across political and community lines. Among those present were respected leaders such as Alhaji Mufutau Adisa Gbayawu, Alhaji Isiaka Alimi, and other coordinators linked to Hosea Agboola, alongside technocrat Dr. Fola Akinosun.
Speaking at the gathering, Gbayawu firmly distanced himself from reports suggesting his involvement in a separate endorsement of Sarafadeen Alli. He described the claim as misleading and dismissed the alleged endorsement event as lacking credibility.
“I was not part of any such ‘jankara’ endorsement,” he stated bluntly. “Ibadan people will stand by their own, and I want to make it clear that Bayo Adelabu is our candidate.”
His remarks reflect a broader sentiment among Ibadan political elites who appear determined to consolidate support behind a candidate with strong local roots.
Unity Forum Controversy and Internal Pushback
Further reinforcing the controversy surrounding rival endorsements, Alhaji Isiaka Alimi rejected claims that the Unity Forum had backed any aspirant outside due process. As a former state chairman of the group, Alimi insisted that no legitimate endorsement could occur without his involvement.
“There cannot be any Unity Forum endorsement without due consultation,” he asserted, warning against attempts to impose candidates through informal or unauthorized channels.
Alimi also revealed that he had personally cautioned Ibikunle Amosun against supporting any undemocratic endorsement process—advice he claims was ultimately ignored.
Adelabu’s Position: Prepared, Loyal, and Ready
Addressing stakeholders, Adelabu presented himself as the most prepared aspirant in the race, emphasizing both his experience and longstanding ambition to govern Oyo State.
“The time is now,” he declared, formally presenting his expression of interest and nomination forms while seeking the backing of party leaders ahead of submission.
He also reaffirmed his loyalty to President Tinubu, describing himself as a protégé shaped by years of political mentorship. According to Adelabu, the President has encouraged all aspirants to test their popularity at the primaries rather than rely on imposed consensus.
“President Tinubu is a democrat. He has not endorsed anyone,” Adelabu noted, pushing back against narratives suggesting otherwise.
Questioning Legitimacy and Calling for Unity
Adelabu did not hold back in criticizing the rival endorsement meeting, describing it as lacking legitimacy due to the absence of key party stakeholders. He pointed out that notable figures such as Abiola Ajimobi’s family and Teslim Folarin were not part of the process, raising questions about its credibility.
Beyond the politics of endorsement, Adelabu issued a broader warning about internal divisions within the APC, urging members to remain united in the face of external pressures.
“This is not the time for fragmentation,” he cautioned. “We must come together as progressives and resist any forces seeking to destabilise the party.”
The Road to Primaries
As the APC primaries approach, the political landscape in Oyo State is shaping into a contest defined by structure, loyalty, and legitimacy. Endorsements may create headlines, and alignments may build momentum—but ultimately, it is the delegate votes that will determine the party’s flagbearer.
In this unfolding drama, one thing is certain: the difference between endorsement and real political strength will soon be put to the test.
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