Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have called on the party’s leadership to zone the 2027 governorship ticket to Oke-Ogun axis to ensure a ‘decisive’ victory.
The stakeholders, under the aegis of “Tinubu Authentic Time for Grassroots Connect”, made the call at a news conference in collaboration with the “Concerned Oyo Citizens” in Abuja on Monday.
National Coordinator of the group, Mr Musibau Oladipo, told newsmen that the move was strategic to ending the nearly eight-year reign of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state and returning Oyo to the progressive fold.
He said that the stakeholders strongly believed that zoning the governorship to Oke-Ogun would energise the party’s base and send a powerful message of fairness, renewal and balanced representation across Oyo.
“Following extensive consultations, community engagements and political assessments across the state, we have reached a firm and strategic conclusion.
“For APC to secure a decisive and unifying victory in the 2027 governorship election, the gubernatorial ticket should be zoned outside Ibadan, with serious and deliberate consideration given to Oke-Ogun.
“This position is not based on sentiment but on political reality and electoral arithmetic.
“The Oke-Ogun axis represents a strong voting bloc and has consistently demonstrated loyalty and commitment to the progressive movement,” he said.
The coordinator argued that a fair zoning arrangement would address long-standing perceptions of marginalisation, deepen internal cohesion and mobilise unprecedented grassroots support for the party.
He also linked the state’s internal zoning to the broader national interest, stating that a unified Oyo APC would significantly strengthen President Bola Tinubu’s re-election prospects in the state.
Oladipo added that the zoning would position APC for a comprehensive electoral victory in the state.
“Equity strengthens loyalty; inclusion inspires sacrifice, and strategic justice secures victory,” he stated.
The coordinator urged Tinubu and the APC leadership in the state to give strategic attention to the political dynamics in the state and guide the zoning process in a manner that would guarantee electoral success and long-term stability for APC.
He said that with the right strategic decision, Oyo could be secured for the president and APC in 2027.
“If we truly desire an overwhelming victory in the 2027 general elections, zoning must be taken seriously.
“Oyo belongs to all of us. The state has produced capable leaders from different zones, and there are many qualified individuals from Oke-Ogun, Ogbomoso, and Oyo who have the capacity to lead the state effectively, just as Ibadan has done over the years,” he said.
While affirming the group’s firm belief in equity, justice and fairness in political representation, Oladipo expressed its commitment to grassroots mobilisation.
“Our resolve is unshaken. We remain committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that progressive politics returns to Oyo,” he said.
