The political landscape in Oyo State is heating up as the 2027 governorship election draws closer, with multiple parties already fielding aspirants. The All Progressives Congress (APC) leads the pack with 11 candidates, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has three, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has five. Other parties like Accord, Allied Peoples Movement (APM), and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) are also joining the race.
APC Aspirants Dominate the Race
The APC's Oyo State Publicity Secretary, Wale Sadare, confirmed the list of aspirants: Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem, Senator Sarafadeen Alli, former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Barrister Akeem Agbaje, Mr. Akeem Alao, former Deputy Governor Engr. Rauf Olaniyan, Dr. Ayobami Lam-Adesina, Senator Fatai Buhari, and Usman Ololade Bakare. This early mobilization signals intense competition for the Agodi Government House.
PDP and ADC Enter the Fray
In the PDP, Amofin Beulah Adeoye recently obtained his Expression of Interest form, while former Deputy Governor Hazeem Gbolarumi and Mogaji Kayode Ogunsola have also joined. The PDP chairman, Prof. Rahman Akinoso, is overseeing preparations. Meanwhile, the ADC has five aspirants: former Health Commissioner Dr. Azeez Adeduntan, human rights lawyer Barrister Niyi Aborisade, Taofeek Adegboyega, Chief Bisi Ilaka, and Dr. Gbemileke Alagbe.
Other Parties and Notable Figures
The Accord party has two notable aspirants: broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat and former Commissioner of Police Fatai Owoseni. The APM has former Finance Commissioner Bimbo Adekanmbi as its hopeful. The NDC, however, has yet to begin sales of nomination forms, according to chairperson Princess Oyeronke Akinlolu.
Political analysts view the surge in aspirants as a reflection of Oyo State's strategic importance ahead of Governor Seyi Makinde's tenure expiration. The competition is expected to intensify as stakeholders align with their preferred candidates.
