By Lawal Akinkunmi Monsur
The political atmosphere in Oyo State is once again heating up and this time, the tremors are being felt deep within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), with Governor Seyi Makinde allegedly tilting towards the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the once-solid PDP in Oyo appears to be slipping into disarray.
This unfolding drama presents a golden opportunity for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State but only if the party plays its cards right.
Now, more than ever, the Oyo APC must be firm, strategic, and united. The time for personal interests and internal squabbles is over. What the party needs is not just any flagbearer, but a candidate that is broadly acceptable, widely respected, and politically marketable.
As a devoted party man who genuinely desires to see APC return to power in 2027, I must emphasize this truth: it doesn’t matter where the candidate comes from, Ibadan, Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun, Oyo, or Ibarapa, just give us someone that sells. Someone who can speak to the hearts of the people and rekindle their faith in our great party.
My loyalty to the progressive cause is unwavering. However, we must all come to terms with the reality that the electorate is wiser now. The days when blind loyalty determined election outcomes are long gone.
In 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu received the highest number of votes in the entire South West from Oyo State. Our people stood firm, believing that their faith and effort would yield tangible benefits. Yet, there’s a lingering sentiment that Oyo deserves more than it has received so far. That feeling cannot be ignored going forward.
A quick look at the presidential election results in Oyo reveals a clear pattern:
2019 Presidential Election
APC — 365,229 votes
PDP — 366,690 votes
2023 Presidential Election:
APC — 449,884 votes
PDP — 182,977 votes
The numbers tell a story. They show that the quality and popularity of the gubernatorial candidate significantly influence the performance of the party at the federal level.
In both elections, the people made a clear distinction, they voted based on local realities, not just party lines. The strength of a governorship candidate can pull or push the fortunes of a presidential ticket.
As 2027 approaches, and given the political uncertainty currently rocking the country, the APC must rethink its strategy in Oyo.
If Asiwaju Bola Tinubu hopes to replicate or surpass the impressive voter turnout he enjoyed in 2023, he must ensure that his support in Oyo goes to the right person. A candidate who unites the party, resonates with the grassroots, and commands respect across divides.
This is not the time for favoritism or factional politics. It’s a time for pragmatism, unity, and strategic foresight.
The ultimate goal is simple: Oyo APC must not be in opposition in 2027.
The pieces are already on the board. The PDP is cracking. The people are watching. The field is wide open. All that remains is for the APC to choose wisely, mobilize effectively, and sell the right candidate, one who reflects the will of the people and the vision of progress.
If the APC gets it right, Oyo will return to the fold of progressivism. If it fumbles again, history will not be kind.
Lawal Akinkunmi Monsur writes from Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.
