As the 2027 general elections approach, political activity in Oyo State is intensifying, with the governorship race shaping up to be a fierce contest across party lines and geopolitical zones. With Governor Seyi Makinde set to complete his second term, the question of who will succeed him has become a subject of intense debate, political maneuvering, and strategic alignments.
Ibadan’s Long Reign Under Scrutiny
Historically, Ibadan, the state capital and political powerhouse, has dominated the governorship position since the Second Republic. From Omololu Olunloyo in the NPN era to Makinde under the PDP, all but one of the state's elected governors have hailed from Ibadan. The lone exception, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala from Ogbomoso, only rose to power following the impeachment of then-Governor Rashidi Ladoja.
This decades-long political pattern has sparked growing agitation for power shift, particularly from the Oke-Ogun region in the Oyo North Senatorial Zone, which has yet to produce a governor. Indigenes of the zone argue that fairness and political inclusion demand that the next governor emerge from their region.
Oke-Ogun: A Growing Voice for Equity
Oke-Ogun stakeholders, including political groups and prominent figures, have begun coordinated efforts to push their agenda. Hon. Rasaq Olubodun of the Progressive Yes Forum described the demand as overdue, citing the zone's significant contributions to the state’s agriculture and electoral outcomes—often accounting for about 40% of the votes in gubernatorial elections.
Support for an Oke-Ogun governorship is said to be gaining traction even among Ibadan political elites, with reports suggesting that both Governor Makinde and former Governor Rashidi Ladoja are sympathetic to the cause. Makinde, while remaining officially neutral, has hinted at backing a youthful, competent successor who can uphold his development legacy. He had earlier suggested a preference for someone under 54 years of age to enable generational transition.
The Numbers Game and Regional Strategy
Oke-Ogun leaders are exploring strategic alliances with politicians in Ogbomoso and the Oyo zones, banking on the support of their combined nine local governments to counterbalance Ibadan’s electoral dominance. They argue that with coordinated efforts, a non-Ibadan candidate can emerge victorious even without unanimous support from the state capital.
Former Communications Minister, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, a leading voice in the Oke-Ogun movement, has openly rejected any plan that would limit the region to the deputy governorship slot. He revealed that top APC leaders in Oke-Ogun recently met to strategize on clinching the governorship ticket.
Parties Plot Their Moves
Meanwhile, the ruling PDP and opposition APC are gearing up for what promises to be an intense electoral showdown. The PDP is keen on maintaining continuity, with Makinde asserting his role as the party’s leader and gatekeeper for his successor. His Advisory Council Chairman, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), described the task of finding a worthy successor as a “tough challenge,” given Makinde’s performance in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and security.
On the other hand, the APC, under the leadership of Alhaji Olayide Abas, is rebuilding its ranks and strengthening grassroots support across the state. The party believes that Makinde’s exit offers them a real shot at reclaiming power after eight years in opposition.
At a recent stakeholders meeting in Oyo Federal Constituency, local APC leaders expressed confidence in their growing popularity, citing the achievements of federal lawmakers from the zone—Senator Yunus Akintunde and Hon. Akeem Adeyemi—as mobilization tools for 2027.
Crowded Field of Aspirants
The governorship race has already attracted over 20 aspirants across major parties, with the APC boasting the largest pool. Notable names in the race include:
Chief Adebayo Adelabu (APC)
Senator Teslim Folarin (APC)
Chief Taofeek Arapaja (PDP)
Hon. Sharafadeen Alli (APC)
Chief Saheed Oladele
Hon. Remi Oseni (APC)
Barrister Bayo Lawal (PDP)
Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi
Col. Gbenga Adegbola
Barrister Adebayo Shittu (APC)
Many other aspirants are still operating behind the scenes, testing the waters before officially declaring their intentions.
The Big Question
As Oyo State heads toward another decisive election, the big question remains: Will the 2027 election finally break Ibadan’s hold on the governorship and deliver a long-overdue shift in political power to other zones? Or will history repeat itself as Ibadan reasserts its dominance through sheer numbers and political machinery?
One thing is clear—2027 will be one of the most competitive and politically significant elections in Oyo State’s recent history.
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