Oyo governorship 2027 contenders emerge as PDP and APC prepare for elections, with zoning, religion, and Makinde’s succession shaping the race
Political tensions are rising in Oyo State as the 2027 governorship election draws near, with aspirants from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) positioning themselves for the coveted tickets.
Also read: Ajadi Seeks PDP Support for 2027 Oyo Governorship Bid
Governor Seyi Makinde’s succession plan, zoning arrangements, and religious considerations are expected to play a decisive role in shaping the election.
Several notable figures are contesting the PDP ticket. Among them are:
- Adebo Ogundoyin, Speaker of the State House of Assembly and Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly of Nigeria.
- Adebo Akande, champion of Makinde’s agribusiness initiatives.
- Adegboyega Adegoke, businessman and philanthropist.
- Niyi Aborisade, human rights activist and lawyer.
- Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, with extensive experience in education, law, and governance.
- Beulah Adeoye, lawyer and financial forensic expert.
- Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, seasoned diplomat.
- Femi Babalola, politician and entrepreneur.
These aspirants combine youth, expertise, and community influence, making the PDP primary a closely watched contest.
The APC also fields prominent candidates, including:
- Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power.
- Senator Teslim Folarin, 2023 APC governorship candidate.
- Remi Oseni, member of the House of Representatives.
- Dr. Zacheaus Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the National Revenue Service.
- Rauf Olaniyan, former Deputy Governor.
- Dr. Azeez Adeduntan, cardiovascular surgeon and politician.
- Saheed Oladele, Baàmeko of Ibadanland.
- Akeem Agbaje, seasoned political leader.
APC candidates are expected to leverage governance experience, constituency networks, and party unity to strengthen their campaigns.
Zoning remains a critical issue.
Oyo State has five political zones: Ibadan, Oke-Ogun, Ogbomoso, Oyo, and Ibarapa.
The Ibadan Zone, the most populous, accounts for roughly 45 per cent of voting strength.
Oke-Ogun residents have historically clamoured for the governorship, citing marginalisation despite producing five deputy governors.
Religion also influences political calculations. Governorship slots have rotated between Christians and Muslims during the Fourth Republic, with no group holding office for more than eight consecutive years.
Governor Makinde, a Christian, must balance these expectations in the lead-up to candidate selection.
Internal party dynamics will be decisive.
The PDP’s primary outcome and Makinde’s endorsement could determine the party candidate, while APC success will depend on unity and the ability of its aspirant to appeal across zones.
Governor Makinde has emphasised that competence and loyalty to Oyo State are the key criteria for his preferred successor.
Speaking at the 12th Omituntun Annual Ramadan Public Lecture, he stressed lessons learned from predecessors whose successors failed to maintain state-focused governance.
“Whoever emerges as my successor will be chosen for competence and loyalty to Oyo State, not to Seyi Makinde,” he stated.
The 2027 Oyo State governorship election will test the state’s democratic maturity and the political acumen of aspirants navigating zoning, religion, and party dynamics.
Also read: Ibadan Muslim Emerges as Favoured Oyo 2027 Governorship Candidate
Its outcome will have profound implications for governance, development, and citizen welfare, making it one of Nigeria’s most closely watched contests.
