No fewer than 11 aspirants have entered the race for the All Progressives Congress governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 election in Oyo State, setting the stage for what is already shaping up to be a fierce political battle.
Out of the 11 contenders, eight are from Ibadan, the state capital, while two are from the Oke Ogun zone and one is from Ogbomoso.
The aspirants, who have all reportedly completed screening by the party in Abuja, include Sharafadeen Alli, Bayo Adelabu, Dr Adewale Kareem, Barrister Akeem Agbaje, Engineer Akeem Alao, Dr Ayobami Lam-Adesina, Prince Asanke Asatola and Ololade Usman — all from Ibadan.
Others in the contest are Abdulfatai Buhari from Ogbomoso, alongside Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin and Engineer Rauf Olaniyan from Oke Ogun.
Political observers note that Ibadan has dominated Oyo State politics since the return to democracy in 1999, producing nearly all governors except the late Adebayo Alao-Akala, who hailed from Ogbomoso.
Current governor Seyi Makinde is expected to complete his second term in 2027, opening up the contest for a new leader.
Behind the scenes, intense lobbying and negotiations are already underway within the APC, with party insiders claiming efforts are being made to settle for a consensus candidate instead of a divisive primary.
A party chieftain in Ibadan, who spoke anonymously, claimed the leadership had already identified a preferred aspirant.
“The party has taken a decision over the selection of the flag bearer. We have been told the consensus candidate,” he said.
Meanwhile, political analyst Dr Bayonle Busari described the large number of aspirants as healthy for democracy, arguing that competence should matter more than regional origin.
According to him, the race includes experienced politicians, technocrats, financial experts, and former public office holders capable of leading the state effectively.
He added that voters should focus more on the candidates’ track records and leadership abilities rather than where they come from.
