A former Nigerian Ambassador to Togo, Debo Adesina, has alerted the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to potential risks in any consensus arrangement that fails to concede the 2027 governorship ticket to the Oke-Ogun axis of Oyo State. Speaking on Monday, Adesina warned that such an arrangement could create impressions of exclusiveness, injustice, and disregard for the people of Oke-Ogun, ultimately harming the party's chances in the general elections.
Call for Fairness
Adesina urged APC leaders to be wary of any consensus that does not take Oke-Ogun into account. He emphasized that the long-standing injustice against the region must influence the choice of the party's governorship candidate for 2027. The former envoy, a leader of the Ireakari Group, noted that Oke-Ogun constitutes at least 31 percent of Oyo State's voting population and occupies about 60 percent of its landmass, warranting more reasonable consideration for the party's flagbearer.
Historical Context
“As loyal party people and a progressive-minded populace, the people of Oke-Ogun cannot be against the party, especially with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the helm. However, after many decades of clear injustice and lopsidedness, it is only fair that the entire political establishment at all levels ponder how a people contributing about 31 percent of the total voting population can continue to be sidelined persistently and endlessly,” Adesina said.
Adesina, a former Editor-in-Chief and Chief Operating Officer of Guardian Newspapers Limited, asserted that the APC has more than enough qualified and capable personalities from Oke-Ogun who could be considered as a consensus candidate if the party seeks justice and fair play. “I, on behalf of our people, appeal to the leadership of the party to look at this issue dispassionately and ensure that the people are not sidelined unjustly,” he added.
Adesina is also a leader of the Justice Forum in Oyo State and founder of Omi Aanu Foundation.
