Oyo APC Chieftains Align to Secure 2027 Mandate for Tinubu

The political landscape of Oyo State witnessed a significant shift on Monday as the heavyweights of the All Progressives Congress (APC) converged in the historic Oyo town to signal an end to internal friction. Led by former Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Folarin, and the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the party’s hierarchy declared a total cessation of hostilities with a singular objective: delivering a massive victory for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

This high-level gathering served as the official flag-off for a strategic tour of the state’s 14 federal constituencies, a move designed to revitalize the party’s grassroots structures. The presence of influential figures such as Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, widow of the former governor, and veteran senators like Sharafadeen Alli, Yunus Akintunde, and Femi Lanlehin, underscored the seriousness of this renewed alliance.

Senator Folarin, who has often been at the center of the state’s intense political dynamics, was remarkably candid about the need for a tactical retreat from personal rivalries. He informed the enthusiastic crowd that the party’s leadership had reached a consensus to bury their 2027 individual ambitions in favor of a collective national goal. According to Folarin, the survival and success of the APC in the Southwest hinge on a unified front that prioritizes the President’s re-election over local power struggles.

The strategy for 2027 is built on a foundation of cold, hard data from the previous election cycle. Folarin reminded the party faithful that in 2023, Oyo State delivered nearly 450,000 votes for Tinubu, representing one of the most significant margins of victory in the country. However, the party is not resting on its laurels. The new mission is to expand that voter base by at least 35 percent through an aggressive mobilization campaign that will reach into every one of the 33 local government areas.

Minister Adebayo Adelabu’s involvement in the tour adds a layer of federal might to the local effort, suggesting that the party is ready to leverage both administrative performance and political networking to win over the electorate. By bringing together formerly competing factions, the APC in Oyo is attempting to create an electoral juggernaut that will be difficult for the opposition to dismantle come 2027.

Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, a maternal and stabilizing force within the party, echoed the call for discipline and peace. She described the constituency tour as a “unifying platform” that proves the APC is capable of self-correction. Her appeal to the leaders to close ranks was a poignant reminder of the late Senator Abiola Ajimobi’s legacy, emphasizing that the party’s strength lies in its ability to manage its diversity without descending into chaos.

The attendance of other political stalwarts like Senator Ayo Adeseun, Engineer Idris Adeoye, and the state party chairman, Alhaji Olayide Abass, provided a visual representation of a party in the process of healing. For a state often characterized by “wild-wild” political volatility, the sight of these rivals standing shoulder-to-shoulder sent a clear message to the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

Rebuilding internal trust appears to be the primary hurdle the party is currently navigating. Folarin’s speech was heavy on the theme of “reconstruction,” acknowledging that past grievances had occasionally weakened the party’s resolve. The tour of the 14 federal constituencies is intended to be a listening exercise as much as a mobilization one, allowing the leadership to mend fences with disgruntled members at the ward levels.

The mathematical goal set by the leadership—a 35 percent increase in the 2023 figures—is an ambitious target that requires more than just rhetoric. It demands a sophisticated ground game and the ability to convince the Oyo electorate that the APC remains the most viable vehicle for their interests. By starting this process years ahead of the actual polls, the party is hoping to build an insurmountable momentum.

The atmosphere in Oyo town was one of a party shifting into a higher gear. The chieftains argued that the unity displayed during the tour would serve as a blueprint for other state chapters facing similar internal crises. They believe that by resolving their differences now, they can focus their entire energy on the technicalities of the 2027 campaign.

As the delegation prepares to move through the remaining constituencies, the focus remains squarely on the presidency. The leaders reiterated that while local elections are important, the primary mandate is ensuring that the “home base” of the President remains a fortress of support. This strategic alignment marks the beginning of what promises to be a long and calculated journey toward the next general election.

The Oyo APC has effectively declared its “house” in order, setting the stage for a dramatic political season. With personal ambitions officially placed on the back burner, the party is betting everything on the power of a united front to deliver a landslide victory that surpasses their previous records.