The race to succeed Governor Seyi Makinde in 2027 is already heating up, and the political tension inside the All Progressives Congress (APC) is becoming impossible to ignore.
No fewer than 11 aspirants have officially purchased expression of interest and nomination forms ahead of the party’s governorship contest in Oyo State.
But beyond the growing list of contenders lies a deeper political battle, one involving zoning, power blocs, regional dominance and whispers of a secret consensus candidate already chosen behind closed doors.
APC’s 11-Man Governorship Battle Takes Shape
All 11 aspirants have reportedly completed screening by the APC in Abuja as preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Political observers say the unusually large number of contenders reflects both the importance of Oyo State and the fierce internal struggle over who controls the future of the party after Makinde’s administration.
Out of the 11 aspirants, eight are from Ibadan, two are from Oke Ogun, while one comes from Ogbomoso.
That imbalance has once again revived old debates about whether Ibadan should continue dominating Oyo politics.
The Powerful Names in the Race
Among the Ibadan-based aspirants are Senator Sharafadeen Alli, former Minister of Power Bayo Adelabu, Dr Adewale Kareem, Barrister Akeem Agbaje and Engineer Akeem Alao.
Others from Ibadan include Dr Ayobami Lam-Adesina, Prince Asanke Asatola and Mr Ololade Usman.
The remaining aspirants are Senator Abdulfatai Buhari from Ogbomoso, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin from Oke Ogun, and former deputy governor, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan, also from Oke Ogun.
Each aspirant is expected to battle aggressively for the APC ticket in what could become one of the most competitive governorship primaries in the state’s history.
The Real Political War: Zoning or Competence?
Behind the scenes, however, the biggest argument may not be about popularity, but geography.
Oyo State is divided into five major political zones: Ibadan, Ibarapa, Ogbomoso, Oke Ogun and Oyo.
Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, Ibadan has produced almost every governor of the state except the late Adebayo Alao-Akala from Ogbomoso.
That long-standing dominance is now triggering renewed agitation from other zones demanding political inclusion.
Many party stakeholders are quietly asking whether it is fair for Ibadan to continue controlling the governorship seat while other regions remain politically sidelined.
A Look at Oyo’s Political History
The late Lamidi Adesina, who governed between 1999 and 2003, was from Ibadan South-East.
Former governor and current Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rasidi Ladoja, ruled between 2003 and 2007 and is from Ibadan South-West.
Alao-Akala remains the only governor from outside Ibadan since 1999, serving between 2007 and 2011 from Ogbomoso North.
The late Abiola Ajimobi, who governed from 2011 to 2019, was also from Ibadan and became the first governor in the state to secure a second term.
Now, with Makinde preparing to complete his second tenure in 2027, the debate over who takes over has become even more politically sensitive.
Secret Consensus Candidate? Fresh Claims Rock APC
As if the contest was not already intense enough, fresh allegations have emerged suggesting that the APC may have quietly settled for a consensus candidate.
A party chieftain in one of the local government areas in Ibadan claimed members had already been informed about the preferred aspirant.
According to the party official, who reportedly serves as a returning officer in his local government, the leadership had internally taken a decision on who should emerge as flag bearer.
The claim has not been independently verified, and the APC has yet to officially confirm whether it plans to adopt consensus or conduct a full primary election.
Still, the allegation has already sparked suspicion among supporters of other aspirants who fear the race may have been decided long before voting begins.
“Focus on Competence, Not Origin” — Don Advises APC
Meanwhile, a senior lecturer at Lead City University, Dr Bayonle Busari, described the large number of aspirants as a positive sign for the APC.
According to him, the quality of aspirants in the race shows the party is filled with experienced politicians, technocrats and professionals capable of leading the state.
Busari pointed out that the lineup includes a former federal minister, a former deputy governor of the Central Bank, a serving senator, engineers, entrepreneurs and financial experts.
Rather than focusing on zoning, he argued that party members and voters should pay attention to competence, experience and the ability to improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
He insisted that what truly matters is not where a candidate comes from, but whether they can deliver meaningful development to the people of Oyo State.
The Road to 2027 Already Looks Explosive
With powerful aspirants, zoning tensions and rumours of backdoor political deals already dominating conversations, the Oyo APC governorship race is shaping up to be far more than an ordinary contest.
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For many observers, the real question is no longer who wants to govern Oyo State.
The bigger question is whether the party can survive the internal battle that may come with choosing one candidate out of 11 ambitious political heavyweights.
