By Adeyinka Adeniran
In this piece, Yinka Adeniran looks at the chances of candidates across party lines in their bid to secure the ticket of their Parties in build up to the general election.
The race for the Agodi Government House is not doubt filled with loads of uncertainty and unpredictability. This is because Oyo State politics is not only fluid, it can take unimaginable shape and dimension that beats the permutations of experts.
Ahead of the 2027 Governorship elections, scheming and permutations is on the high side, particularly with the level of interest been shown by Governor Seyi Makinde to install a successor.
If Makinde succeeds, he will be the first governor to successfully handover to a successor since the beginning of the current Fourth Republic.
Although, it remains unclear who would emerge flagbearers across the various political parties, some notable individuals are not hiding their interest to test their political strength in seeking the Agodi Government House plum job.
Makinde on his own had maintained at different fora his intentions to be succeeded by a person who is much younger than he is aside the would-be individual’s ability and capability to uphold, continue and perhaps build on his legacies.
The governor had even made it known to the ruling People’s Democratic Party his determination to determine who would fly the party’s flag in 2027. The standard in terms of age limit that he set has been seen by some stakeholders as a move to disqualify certain individuals from throwing in their hat into the electoral ring in 2027
Truly, no name has been mentioned as to who he governor is likely to favor with the ticket and Govenror Makinde has been doing well in not showing any sign of interest, publicly in any particular individual.
However, observers throwing around some names within the PDP circle as likely successor or potential interest of the governor.
Adebo Ogundoyin
Ogundoyin is the current (10th) Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly. He emerged as the youngest Speaker of State Assembly in Nigeria when he first emerged as the Speaker of the 9th Assembly. Incidentally, Ogundoyin emergence came upon the electoral victory of Governor Makinde in 2019.
The Eruwa born politician is the current Speaker of the Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly of Nigeria and the son of a late political cum business mogul, Adeseun Ogundoyin.
Observers are carrying Ogundoyin’s name around on the premise that Governor Makinde is considering allowing power rotate out of Ibadan to other zone of the state. This is because other zones, particularly Oke-Ogun, the second largest political zone of the state have ceaselessly expressed their desire to occupy the Governorship seat, which seems the exclusive right of Ibadans.
Aside from powershift, Ogundoyin seems to have all conditions set by the Governor in his favour, including age and political loyalty to the Governor. In the last six years, he has managed the affairs of the Assembly favourably for the governor in addition to his growing political influence across the zones of the state.
Adebo Akande
Popularly called Debo Akande is a strong and key driver of the Governor Seyi Makinde led administration, particular in the areas of agribusiness initiatives as the Executive Adviser to the Governor on International Cooperation Development and Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA).
He has been instrumental in transforming Oyo State’s agricultural sector, driving agribusiness reform, making it easier for investors to operate in the state. He also oversaw the development of agribusiness industrial hubs, creating commercial opportunities for small and large-scale investors.
He forged strong partnerships with global organizations like the World Bank, CGIAR, FAO, USAID, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to secure funding and expertise for Oyo State aside launching the Youth Enterprise in Agribusiness Programs (YEAP) to empower thousands of young people through training, mentorship, and access to capital.
Professionally, he holds a director position at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), where he leads agribusiness management globally.and has been involved in the various international business travels with the governor.
Adegboyega Adegoke
Chief Adegboyega Adegoke is a prominent Nigerian businessman, politician, and philanthropist. He is the owner of Solution FM in Ibadan and has been actively involved in Oyo State politics.
He has been associated with several political parties, including the Accord Party, All Progressives Congress (APC), and currently, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Chief Adegoke has held notable positions, including Director-General of the Oyo Accord Campaign Council in 2022 and has expressed interest in various political offices, including the Oyo South Senatorial district seat and the Oyo State governorship seat.
Beyond politics, Chief Adegoke is known for his philanthropic work, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic where he supported various communities in Oyo State, including Ibadan, Ibarapa, and Oke-Ogun. His charitable efforts have earned him recognition and respect in the state.
He holds traditional titles, including Aare Onibon Balogun of Ibadanland and Mogaji of Ile Abose, reflecting his community leadership and influence.
Recently, Chief Adegoke’s has made subtle public announcement of his intentions to explore the possibility of running for governor of Oyo State under the PDP as his massive billboards are located at various strategic points in the capital city.
Sources hinted that the title has begun consultations with party leaders, and his philanthropic activities and business background are seen as strengths in his potential gubernatorial bid.
Niyi Aborisade
Aborisade is another new entrance whose name has been flying around in the airwave with intentions to vie for the governorship ticket of the Umbrella party.
A human rights activist and United Kingdom-trained lawyer, Aborisade returned to Nigeria to pursue politics and contribute to the country’s development.
As a leader, Chief Aborisade according to sources has described himself as a born leader with uncommon credentials and governing acumen who advocates for an ideal society with growth and poverty eradication, emphasizing social obligation and service to the people of Oyo State.
Aside the ruling party, more gladiators are also gearing up for a show of us in the opposition, All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State.
Although, the level of powerplay, suspicion, speculations and federal backup is making it look uncertain as to who would likely flag the card of the party in the 2027 guber polls. Some of the powerhouse that are likely to lock horn and slug it out for the ticket include the 2023 party flagbearer, Senator Teslim Folarin, current Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, current House of Representatives member, Remi Oseni, Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacheaus Adedeji, among others who are yet to make their intentions public.
However, observers are of the views that, with timely and right intervention from the President Bola Tinubu, who gets the party ticket should not be an issue or use as a cause of disunity in the party.
No doubt, the APC has sworn to reclaim it’s lost glory of back to back defeat in the hands of the ruling PDP led by Governor Makinde.
At both instances, the now ruling party (PDP) had taken advantage of discord and disunity which led to division and break in the rank and files of the APC members, large caused by unresolved disputes as to how the party flagbearer emerged, as well as the lack of a unifying leader, occasioned by the death of former governor Abiola Ajimobi amongst others.
However, a litmus test that has shown the level of power tussle and discordant tune that may lead to the failure of the party was the party primary that saw the emergence of Olatunji Adewale popularly known as Murphy as the party candidate for the August 16, bye-election for the Ibadan North Federal Constituency.
While eight party aspirants alleges imposition and no level playing ground in the contest, their supporters and backers expressed determination not to let it slide.
But, barely 48hours to the election, it was gathered that all the party leaders, aspirants, held a closed door, to resolve all grievances and ensure that the party did not loose the seat to the PDP, which looks more united ahead of the poll. The outcome of the poll will either show the strength of the party and what to expect in 2027 or the level of disarray that may befall the party should any unpopular candidate emerge.
Adebayo Adelabu
Adelabu’s political journey began when he resigned from the Central Bank of Nigeria to pursue a governorship position in Oyo State under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2019. He won the APC primary election but lost the governorship election to Seyi Makinde of the PDP.
In 2022, Adelabu defected to the Accord Party after losing the APC primary election to Teslim Folarin. He returned to the APC fold after his nomination by President Tinubu as a Minister in 2023.
Since assumption as the Minister of Power, Adelabu has not hidden his intention to run again for the governorship seat come 2027 and has since been working to ensure a united party. But, it was obvious many party members would not be easily pacify as some still saw his defection to the Accord Party as the bane of the party electoral failure in 2023.
At every given opportunity, Adelabu has emphasized his confidence in securing victory and pledged to run an all-inclusive government as a seasoned politician.
Adelabu’s experience in governance and finance has been instrumental in shaping his political career. His governorship ambition has sparked interest in the Oyo State political landscape, with many anticipating a competitive primary election within the APC.
He has been engaging with APC leaders and stakeholders, seeking support for his ambition. With his track record in finance and governance, Adelabu believes he has the necessary expertise to lead Oyo State effectively. His declaration has set the stage for a potentially competitive gubernatorial election in 2027.
Senator Teslim Folarin
A former Senate leader and APC flagbearer at the 2023 governorship election has largely been silence since his defeat by Governor Makinde.
A seasoned politician with over two decades of experience, he has represented Oyo Central Senatorial District in the Senate and held prominent positions, including Senate Majority Leader and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content.
His legislative achievements include sponsoring crucial bills, such as the Insurance Act and Armed Forces Pension Act. Folarin has also facilitated numerous development projects in Oyo State, including the construction of classrooms, ICT centers, and boreholes. His grassroots mobilization skills have earned him recognition, and he has interacted with individuals across social and religious circles.
Observers are of the views that Folarin may be testing the waters again, by contesting the party ticket, banking on the premise that the party structure is in his hands.
Folarin’s experience and vision for Oyo State’s progress make him an attractive candidate for the election.
But, despite his impressive track record, Folarin’s relationship with the current APC leadership has been strained. There are rumors of President Tinubu’s purported displeasure with Folarin’s perceived lack of support during the primary elections. Nevertheless, Folarin’s ability to attract investors, promote economic growth, and drive development could bring positive change to Oyo State, making him a strong contender for the 2027 governorship election.
Although, speculations are building up around Folarin to dump the APC for the ADC, due to his perceived strained relationship with party bigwigs, especially at the National level, the speculation could not be confirmed from the notable grassroot politician. The reality is expected to be unfolded in a mater of time.
Remi Oseni
A seasoned politician and member of the House of Representatives, representing Ido/Ibarapa East federal constituency. He currently chairs the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).
His legislative record and constituency projects have earned him recognition as a dedicated public servant with an ability to connect with people from all walks of life, which has endeared him to many in Oyo State.
He has also made public his intentions to seek the governorship ticket, come 2027 with a liberation agenda aims to uplift residents through enhanced infrastructure, economic growth, and social empowerment.
He has implemented various empowerment initiatives, including education and skill development programs.
His ambition to run for the 2027 governorship ticket is gaining momentum, with support groups rallying behind his candidacy. He had said his vision for the state aligns with the people’s aspirations, and he’s poised to deliver meaningful development and transformation to the state.
With his impressive track record, capacity, and strong character, Oseni is well-positioned to make a strong bid for the governorship seat in 2027.
As it stands, it remains unclear how many more persons with be joining the race for the battle for the party tickets.
ADC
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State is facing internal challenges and controversies. The party’s Oyo State chapter has expelled several members, including former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Monsurat Sunmonu, and ex-senator Michael Koleoso, for alleged anti-party activities.
Since the infamous sack of notable figures in the party in 2025, not much has been heard from the party in terms of activities and playing its opposition roles in the state.
It must however be stated that the party is fielding a former governorship candidate, Femi Dexter Akin-Alamu as his candidate for the August 16th, bye-election for Ibadan North Federal Constituency. It remains unclear if the party will be forming coalition or alliance with any other party to field any candidate in the 2027 governorship election.
