Stakeholders from the Oke-Ogun zone of Oyo State have intensified calls on the All Progressives Congress to zone its governorship ticket for the 2027 election to the area, insisting that equity, fairness and inclusiveness demand such consideration.
The appeal was made by Egbe Ajosepo Fun Itesiwaju Gbogbo Wa, a socio-cultural organisation representing the interests of Oke-Ogun indigenes, as it explained its presence at the APC’s ongoing Renewed Hope Unity Rally across parts of the state.
In a statement released in Ibadan on Thursday and jointly signed by its National Chairman, Dauda Olaifa, and Secretary, Pastor Favour Adewoyin, the group urged the APC leadership in Oyo State to take a deliberate and strategic decision to allow Oke-Ogun produce the party’s next governorship candidate.
The organisation commended the APC for what it described as renewed vigour and early mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections, noting that the unity rally signalled preparedness and organisational focus.
However, it clarified that its participation in the rally should not be misconstrued as partisan engagement, stressing that the group remains non-political and issue-driven.
According to the statement, the decision to attend the rallies in Kisi, Saki and Iseyin was aimed at amplifying what it described as the long-standing and legitimate aspiration of Oke-Ogun to produce a governor.
“As indigenes of Oke-Ogun, we believe the time has come to clearly and confidently state our position: 2027 should mark Oke-Ogun’s turn to produce the governor of Oyo State,” the group said.
It added that its advocacy cuts across party lines, noting that its outreach engages major political platforms, including the APC, PDP, ADC, Accord Party and the Labour Party.
“We are not aligned with any political party. We are a non-partisan advocacy platform dedicated solely to the equitable rotation of the governorship to Oke-Ogun in 2027,” the statement added.
While reaffirming support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid, the group appealed to the APC to align its internal decisions with the principles of justice, inclusiveness and federal character by zoning the governorship ticket to Oke-Ogun.
The organisation noted that the zone boasts several credible and experienced aspirants, including former deputy governors, a former minister and other notable personalities with the capacity to lead the state.
“Whoever eventually emerges, Oke-Ogun is united, prepared and committed to delivering its full electoral support. Rotational leadership has worked in many states, and Oyo State should also embrace it,” the group stated.
It further anchored its demand on constitutional provisions, citing Sections 14(3) and 14(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which emphasise inclusivity, diversity and balanced representation.
The group also dismissed concerns that the push for the governorship could conflict with senatorial ambitions from the zone, arguing that there are precedents where zones have legitimately held both positions without undermining democratic balance.
