2027: Oke-Ogun Governorship Bid Gains Traction as APC Calls For Power Shift
The political landscape of Oyo State is experiencing a significant shift as the Oke-Ogun region intensifies its campaign to produce the next governor in the 2027 general elections. This long-standing quest for equitable representation has received a major boost with the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State formally endorsing a power shift to the zone.
For decades, the Oke-Ogun and Ibarapa regions have voiced concerns over their historical marginalization in the state’s highest office. Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, the gubernatorial seat has predominantly been occupied by candidates from Ibadan (four governors) and Ogbomoso (one governor).
Despite boasting ten local government areas, Oke-Ogun has yet to produce a governor, a disparity that a non-partisan pressure group, Egbe Ajosepo Fun Itesiwaju Gbogbo Wa, has consistently highlighted.
In a landmark development, APC stakeholders from Oke-Ogun, following a meeting on June 30, 2025, issued a communiqué unanimously calling for a power shift to the Oke-Ogun zone in future political arrangements within Oyo State. The communiqué explicitly stated, “In the spirit of fairness, equity, and balanced development, the stakeholders unanimously called for a power shift to the Oke-Ogun zone in future political considerations within the state.”
This resolution marks a pivotal moment, aligning strongly with the persistent advocacy of Egbe Ajosepo Fun Itesiwaju Gbogbo Wa. “This public endorsement is not just symbolic; it is historic,” noted Engr. Dauda Olaifa Alade, Chairman of Egbe Ajosepo Fun Itesiwaju Gbogbo Wa. “For too long, Oke-Ogun has remained a loyal pillar of political support in Oyo State, yet the region has not produced a governor.”
Mr. Akeem Bonuola, Assistant General Secretary of the group, added that the development serves as a “validation of their persistent campaign and mobilisation for equitable representation.” The group has lauded the APC for this “progressive step” and urged the party’s leadership to ensure the resolution translates into concrete action in the lead-up to 2027.
Beyond the APC, Egbe Ajosepo Fun Itesiwaju Gbogbo Wa has extended its appeal to other major political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Labour Party, to embrace the principle of rotational governorship. The group emphasized that “the future of Oyo State governance must reflect inclusivity, fairness, and justice.”
As the momentum builds, several prominent individuals from Oke-Ogun are being discussed as potential gubernatorial candidates for 2027. The list includes:
- Amofin Beulah Adeoye: A strong PDP chieftain from Ipapo, Itesiwaju local government.
- Dr. Gbenga Adegbola: An APC chieftain from Saki and retired military officer.
- Barr. Abdurraheem Adebayo Shittu: An APC chieftain from Saki and former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy.
- Engr. Rauf Olaniyan: The immediate past Deputy Governor of Oyo State, from Igboho.
- Dr. Kazeem Ayankola Ayandoye: An APC chieftain from Kishi.
- Senator Hosea Ayoola: A PDP stakeholder from Igbojaye, Itesiwaju local government, and former member of the Senate.
- Barr. Bayo Lawal: The current Deputy Governor of Oyo State, from Kishi.
- Chief AbdulJeleel Abiodun Owonikoko: A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) from Iseyin.
- Barrister Adeniyi Farinto: A former commissioner in Governor Makinde’s first tenure and PDP stalwart.
- Hon Taoreed Shina Abiola Peller: A PDP chieftain from Iseyin and former member of the House of Representatives.
The coming months are expected to be crucial in shaping the political landscape of Oyo State, as the Oke-Ogun region’s long-standing aspiration for leadership gains unprecedented traction. All eyes will be on how this collective determination translates into a concrete path to the governor’s office in 2027.
