The 2027 Oyo State governorship conversation took an informal turn last Thursday as the gubernatorial candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Bimbo Adekanmbi, accompanied by his running mate, Engr. Muftau Open Salawu, paid a surprise courtesy visit to the historic 1902 Ibadan Recreation Club.
What began as a courtesy call developed into an extended interaction between the APM candidates and members of the Recreation Club, with discussions touching on Adekanmbi’s political aspirations, proposed policy direction, the potential implications of his candidacy and broader issues concerning the future of Oyo State.
The engagement provided an opportunity for the candidate to interact directly with professionals, community figures and other members of the Club, while allowing participants to exchange views on issues that could influence political choices ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The atmosphere was, however, far removed from the conventional setting of a political campaign.
In keeping with the Club’s tradition of hospitality, Adekanmbi and his entourage were treated to the popular Rec Akara, affectionately known as “Akaraz.” The local delicacy added a distinctly Ibadan social flavour to an otherwise politically significant encounter, with the APM candidate reportedly enjoying the treat.
Several notable political and professional figures were also present.
Among those who accompanied Adekanmbi was Seun Fakorede, former Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports and currently an Executive Adviser to the Governor on the same portfolio. Also in the entourage was Labade, a branding professional.
Members of the Recreation Club who participated in the interaction included Arch. Atilade, popularly known as “Atti,” and Tolu Kuku, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Domestic Affairs.
The gathering also included Amala, Captain of the Club’s Badminton Section, as well as Makanaki, an events and activations professional. Other distinguished members of the 1902 Ibadan Recreation Club were also present.
The visit comes against the backdrop of increasing political activity in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 governorship election. Adekanmbi’s candidacy adds another dimension to an emerging political contest in which parties and aspirants are expected to intensify engagement with different segments of the electorate.
While political campaigns are traditionally associated with rallies, meetings and public declarations, informal engagements such as the one at the Recreation Club provide candidates with opportunities to interact with influential professionals and community members in a less formal environment.
The 1902 Ibadan Recreation Club itself occupies a distinctive position in the social history of Ibadan. Established in 1902, the institution has over the years developed into a meeting point for people from diverse professional, social and public-service backgrounds.
Adekanmbi’s visit therefore combined politics with the social character of the Club, bringing together political figures, government officials, professionals and members in an atmosphere of conversation, hospitality and relationship-building.
As political activities gather momentum towards 2027, engagements of this nature are expected to form part of the broader efforts by aspirants and political parties to communicate their positions, cultivate relationships and engage different constituencies across Oyo State.
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