Political Parties: Consider Oke-Ogun for the 2027 governorship ticket of Oyo State

The Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State is recognized as a vital zone in terms of agricultural production and food chain systems. Many people refer to Oke-Ogun as the food basket of Oyo State, while others see it as an agricultural hub.

Politically, this zone is crucial for any candidate who aims to win the governorship election in the state. A political party that secures a strong showing in Oke-Ogun is likely to emerge victorious in the overall election. As such, the Oke-Ogun area is a significant focus for political contenders during election periods.

Oke-Ogun comprises ten Local Government Areas and is located in the northwest part of Oyo State, bordered by the River Ogun. The electoral outcomes from Atisbo, Oorelope, Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Kajola, Irepo, Olorunsogo, Iwajowa, Saki East, and Saki West can be surprising due to various factors, such as candidate acceptability and the selection of running mates by political parties. The zone typically boasts nearly 40% of active electorates in any given election.

In comparison, the Ibadan zone has eleven Local Governments, while Oke-Ogun has ten. Given the high calibre of professionals in Oke-Ogun—including scholars, educators, business moguls, and traders—who possess the qualifications to drive positive change, this zone should be considered for governorship slots by major political parties in 2027.

Analyzing the outcomes of gubernatorial elections from 1991 to the present reveals that Ibadan and Ogbomoso have historically produced governors, with Ibadan contributing more from various political parties.

In 1991, Chief Kolapo Ishola won under the Social Democratic Party, representing Ibadan. In the 1999 gubernatorial election held on January 9, the Alliance for Democracy nominated Alhaji Lam Adesina, who defeated the PDP candidate, gaining 454,680 votes compared to the PDP’s 219,200 votes. Lam Adesina became the first governor in this current democratic era to represent the Ibadan zone.

In the April 19, 2003 election, Alhaji Lam Adesina of the Alliance for Democracy was defeated by PDP’s Chief Rashidi Ladoja. The PDP garnered 636,212 votes, while the AD received 381,310 votes among candidates from five registered political parties. The winner of the election represents Ibadan as well.

A significant shift occurred in the 2007 gubernatorial election, held on April 14, when the PDP nominated Chief Christopher Alao-Akala from Ogbomoso, who won against Abiola Ajimobi of the All Nigeria People’s Party, receiving 357,972 votes to Ajimobi’s 239,189 votes. This election was marked by the political challenges and impeachment of Senator Rashidi Ladoja, which allowed Alao-Akala to secure the candidacy and subsequently win.

In the 2011 gubernatorial election on April 26, the Action Congress of Nigeria nominated Senator Abiola Ajimobi, while the PDP presented Otunba Christopher Alao-Akala. Senator Ajimobi emerged victorious, securing 420,852 votes against Alao-Akala’s 387,132 votes, marking the return of power to Ibadan.

In 2015, following a merger of political parties, Senator Abiola Ajimobi was re-elected under the All Progressives Congress, receiving 327,310 votes to defeat Rashid Ladoja of the Accord Party, who garnered 254,520 votes, and Otunba Alao-Akala, who received 184,111 votes. Senator Teslim Folarin of the PDP received 79,019 votes, while Seyi Makinde of the Social Democratic Party obtained 54,740 votes. This victory made Senator Ajimobi the first Oyo State governor to be re-elected for a second term, also representing Ibadan.

The 2019 Oyo State gubernatorial election was held on March 9, with PDP candidate Mr Seyi Makinde declared the winner, defeating APC candidate Adebayo Adelabu. Among the 42 candidates, Seyi Makinde, from Ibadan, secured 515,621 votes compared to Adelabu’s 357,982 votes. He also represents the Ibadan zone.

In the most recent 2023 Oyo State gubernatorial election, held on March 18, incumbent PDP Governor Seyi Makinde was re-elected, defeating APC candidate Senator Teslim Folarin. Makinde achieved 563,756 votes.

Based on the analysis above, it is time for the Ogbomoso zone, with its five Local Governments, and the Oyo zone, consisting of four Local Governments, to support the Oke-Ogun zone in producing candidates for the governorship in 2027. This is especially important for the ruling parties, such as the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The indigenes of Oke-Ogun and its surrounding areas would greatly appreciate it if these political parties considered zoning the governorship ticket to Oke-Ogun. This move would promote equity, justice, and fairness, encouraging the community to rally behind one of their own in the quest to govern the state. The transformation of Oke-Ogun could be significant.

The residents of the zone would be pleased if the APC and PDP identified any prominent party members as suitable candidates. Several well-respected individuals have proven to be worthy ambassadors of Oke-Ogun. If both APC and PDP focus on these individuals, the response will likely be tremendous. We are confident that voter participation will increase, positively impacting the political party’s performance in the 2027 elections.

Prominent sons and daughters from Oke-Ogun must initiate political consultations and strategies to realize this ambition. They must demonstrate their interest, as they have the support of both the young and the old. Numerous competent individuals of integrity have shown loyalty, commitment, and intellect in advancing their political parties, particularly the ruling party. Let the consultations commence; we must not wait until the election date approaches to start making plans.

It would be beneficial if our traditional leaders and custodians of culture in Oke-Ogun joined this advocacy effort. Now is the time for everyone in Oke-Ogun to speak with one voice. We should strive to produce the next Governor of Oyo State from our region. With Oke-Ogun having the second-largest voting population, it is essential to leverage this demographic to negotiate with relevant stakeholders and achieve this goal. Political leaders from Oke-Ogun across various parties have a responsibility to engage in this process. This endeavour is not about conflict; rather, it is about consultation to build on our strengths. Unity of purpose is imperative. All indigenes of Oke-Ogun must come together on this matter. Oke-Ogun is a significant name that should be used to drive development in the zone.

The people of Oke-Ogun should recognize that any political party that offers the Governorship ticket to our zone or a candidate from outside Ibadan deserves our support. This support is crucial for ensuring the party’s victory. We must prioritize our collective interests. Such a candidate will require our support both morally and financially. The purpose of this zoning is to increase the chances of winning the election in 2027.

Taoreed Abdullahi
08024273583
taoheedolajideabdulahi@yahoo.com