As the political landscape in Oyo State begins to heat up ahead of the crucial 2027 gubernatorial election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is carefully plotting its strategy to reclaim power. The party, having faced internal divisions and electoral setbacks in the last two cycles, is at a critical juncture. The central question is no longer about simply presenting a candidate, but about selecting the right individual who can unify the party and connect with voters. For many within the APC, the answer lies in a figure known for quiet preparation rather than loud ambition: Akeem Agbaje.
The Case for Akeem Agbaje: A Profile in Consistency
In a political arena often dominated by flamboyant personalities and shifting allegiances, Akeem Agbaje presents a markedly different profile. His political journey is not characterized by controversy or empty noise but by steady engagement and unwavering loyalty. He has maintained respectful relationships across party lines while fostering genuine bonds within the APC family. Crucially, he remained faithful to the party during periods of turbulence when others chose to abandon ship.
Agbaje's temperament is described as calm yet firm, accessible yet deeply principled. This combination offers the APC a significant advantage in a state weary of constant political feuding. He represents a politician who builds trust through consistent action and service, not just through slogans. As the party looks to craft its comeback strategy for the 2027 election, this steadiness is viewed as an invaluable asset that could appeal to a broad electorate seeking stability and purpose.
Learning from Underdog Victories: A Global and Local Perspective
The potential rise of Akeem Agbaje mirrors a familiar political narrative: the underdog who triumphs through integrity and grassroots connection over established machinery. History, both in Nigeria and abroad, provides compelling examples. Domestically, Adams Oshiomhole in Edo State transformed his labour activism into a powerful political movement that overcame entrenched interests. Similarly, Olusegun Mimiko in Ondo State broke the People's Democratic Party's (PDP) stronghold by leveraging trust and persistence, becoming Nigeria's first Labour Party governor.
On the international stage, parallels can be drawn. Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign in the United States demonstrated how a disciplined message and a vision for renewal could defeat a political establishment. In France, Emmanuel Macron shattered decades of two-party dominance with a centrist movement built on a similar promise. More recently, William Ruto of Kenya defied elite political structures to win the presidency in 2022, championing a "hustler" narrative that resonated deeply. These cases underscore that electoral success often hinges on authenticity and a direct connection with the people's aspirations, elements central to Agbaje's perceived appeal.
The Stakes for the APC in Oyo
The choice for the APC is framed as a definitive one between repeating past mistakes of personality-driven politics and embracing a new politics of purpose. After avoidable losses attributed to internal disunity, the party's path to redemption in Oyo State appears to hinge on this decision. Fielding Akeem Agbaje is increasingly seen not merely as selecting a viable candidate, but as adopting the party's most strategic route back to Government House in Ibadan. His profile is viewed as one that can heal rifts, present a unifying front, and offer a compelling alternative to the electorate.
As noted by public affairs analyst Olatunde Sanu, who wrote from Ibadan on 2 December 2025, the political atmosphere is already thick with alignments and calculations. The APC's move to consolidate behind a figure like Agbaje could be the key factor that determines whether the party can successfully execute its comeback plan in the 2027 gubernatorial election.
