The aspirants, all of whom have already undergone screening in Abuja, are expected to compete for the party’s governorship ticket as political activities continue to intensify across the state.

Findings show that eight of the aspirants are from Ibadan, the state capital, two are from the Oke Ogun zone, while one hails from Ogbomoso.

The development has further heightened political debate within the party, particularly over zoning arrangements, possible consensus deals, and the quality of individuals seeking to succeed Governor Seyi Makinde in 2027.

Ibadan Aspirants In The Race

The Ibadan-based aspirants include Senator Sharafadeen Alli, former Minister of Power Bayo Adelabu, Dr Adewale Kareem, Barrister Akeem Agbaje, and Engineer Akeem Alao.

Others are Dr Ayobami Lam-Adesina, Prince Asanke Asatola, and Mr Ololade Usman.

Other Aspirants

The remaining contenders are Senator Abdulfatai Buhari from Ogbomoso, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin from Oke Ogun, and former Deputy Governor of the state, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan, also from Oke Ogun.

All 11 aspirants are set to contest for the APC governorship ticket ahead of the election.

Political Structure In Oyo State

Oyo State is divided into five major political zones: Ibadan, Ibarapa, Ogbomoso, Oke Ogun, and Oyo.

Since 1999, Ibadan has largely dominated the governorship seat, except during the tenure of the late Adebayo Alao-Akala, who came from Ogbomoso.

Alhaji Lamidi Adesina (1999–2003) and the late Abiola Ajimobi (2011–2019) were both from Ibadan, while Oba Rasidi Ladoja (2003–2007) also governed from Ibadan.

Alao-Akala remains the only governor from outside Ibadan since the return to democracy in 1999.

The incumbent governor, Seyi Makinde, from Ona Ara Local Government Area, is expected to complete his second term in 2027.

Against this backdrop, the APC governorship race is once again raising debate over whether the party will maintain Ibadan’s dominance or shift power to another zone.

Screening And Party Position

All 11 aspirants have reportedly been screened by the APC as of the time of filing this report.

However, a party chieftain in one of Ibadan’s local government areas claimed that a consensus arrangement had already been reached, with members briefed on the preferred candidate.

The party leadership has not officially confirmed this claim, and no formal announcement has been made on whether a consensus candidate will emerge or a primary election will hold.

View From Party Stakeholders

A senior lecturer at Lead City University, Ibadan, Dr Bayonle Busari, described the large number of aspirants as a healthy development for the party.

He argued that the selection should not be based on zoning but on competence, experience, and capacity to deliver good governance.

Busari noted that the aspirants include a former minister, a former deputy governor of the Central Bank, a serving senator, engineers, entrepreneurs, technocrats, and financial experts.

According to him, emphasis should be placed on track records rather than geographical origin.

He stressed that what matters most is the ability of the eventual candidate to improve the lives of the people of Oyo State.