Oyo State, comprising 33 Local Government Areas across five historic zones—Ibadan, Oyo, Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun, and Ibarapa—reflects the cultural richness and political sophistication of Nigeria. As the All Progressives Congress (APC) consolidates its structures ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial election, the imperative of fairness, inclusion, and strategic balance has come to the fore.

Under the visionary and stabilizing leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the APC has consistently championed progressive federalism, party cohesion, and broad-based representation. His statesmanship, political dexterity, and enduring commitment to national integration provide a compelling framework for addressing legitimate aspirations within Oyo State.

Historical Context of Representation (1999–2027)

Since the return to democracy in 1999, executive power in Oyo State has been distributed as follows:

Ibadan Zone
Produced governors for 24 of 28 democratic years and one deputy governor (4 years):
• Lam Adesina (1999–2003)
• Rashidi Ladoja (2003–2007)
• Abiola Ajimobi (2011–2019)
• Seyi Makinde (2019–2027)
• Taofeek Arapaja (Deputy Governor, 2007–2011)

Ogbomoso Zone
• Adebayo Alao-Akala (Governor, 2007–2011; Deputy Governor, 2003–2007)

Oke- Ogun Zone
Deputy Governors for 20 years:
• Iyiola Oladokun
• Moses Alake Adeyemo
• Rauf Olaniyan
• Adebayo Lawal

Oyo Zone
No Governor or Deputy Governor since 1999.

Ibarapa Zone
No Governor or Deputy Governor since 1999.

This record reflects a structural imbalance. While Ibadan’s historic leadership role is undisputed and respected, Oyo and Ibarapa zones have not occupied either the governorship or deputy governorship in nearly three decades of democracy.

Electoral Arithmetic and Strategic Reality

The 2023 gubernatorial election results demonstrated a crucial fact: the combined voting strength of *Oyo, Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun, and Ibarapa zones* surpassed that of *Ibadan zone.* Furthermore, Nigeria’s constitutional framework requires a winning candidate to secure a majority of votes and at least 25% of votes in two-thirds of the 33 local governments (22 LGAs).

2026 APC Membership Registration

Recent APC membership registration figures reinforce this strategic reality:
*• Oyo Zone: 20,138 members*
*• Ogbomoso Zone: 19,242 members*
*• Oke-Ogun Zone: 46,733 members*
*• Ibarapa Zone: 11,541 members*

*Total (Four Zones): 97,654 members*

*• Ibadan Zone (11 LGAs): 56,054 members*

These figures illustrate that the four zones outside Ibadan collectively represent a decisive numerical bloc within party structures. Their inclusion is not merely symbolic—it is electorally determinative.

*The Case for Zonal Balance in 2027*

*The call for rotational balance is neither confrontational nor exclusionary. It is an appeal grounded in:*
• Constitutional pragmatism
• Electoral mathematics
• Democratic fairness
• Party unity
• Long-term stability

*Granting the 2027 gubernatorial ticket to one of the zones yet to produce a governor—particularly Oyo, Oke Ogun, Ogbomoso or Ibarapa—while zoning the deputy governorship to Ibadan, would achieve equilibrium without diminishing Ibadan’s enduring influence.*

Such an approach would:
1. Address long-standing perceptions of marginalization.
2. Strengthen APC’s grassroots legitimacy.
3. Consolidate inter-zonal solidarity.
4. Maximize electoral viability in 2027.

*A Respectful Appeal to Leadership*

President Tinubu’s political legacy has been defined by strategic inclusiveness, coalition-building, and institutional foresight. His unmatched experience in managing complex political terrains positions him uniquely to guide Oyo State APC toward a just and sustainable resolution.

A principled endorsement of equitable zoning would not only deepen party cohesion but also reaffirm the APC’s commitment to fairness and participatory democracy.

In the spirit of justice, unity, and strategic wisdom, stakeholders respectfully urge that serious consideration be given to a governorship candidate from Oyo, Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun, or Ibarapa zone in 2027, with complementary balancing arrangements that preserve statewide harmony.

Such a decision would reflect strength, not concession; vision, not expediency; and leadership, not pressure.

*Chief M A Adedokun*
*For and on behalf of concerned stakeholders committed to equity, progress, and APC victory in Oyo State.*