One of the most anticipated governorship elections coming up in 2027 is the Oyo governorship election. For many reasons, it is one guber race that will be very keenly contested. It is not going to be one of those governorship elections in the south-west that has a stand out favourite or fore runner whom many expect should have a landslide victory.
This one will be different on account of the many big fish that will jostle for the job of Governor Seyi Makinde come 2027. And what makes matters even more interesting is the fact that Governor Seyi Makinde is yet to indicate who his favoured successor is. …CONTINUE READING
Up till now, no one has any clear idea which of his allies he desires to make his anointed candidate come 2027 when the Oyo State guber elections takes place Makinde has remained mum on the subject. If he has any anointed candidate at all, he has kept it close to his chest.
Governor Seyi Makinde left many political observers even more puzzled on the subject of his favoured anointed candidate when he made headlines some weeks ago by asserting that he would not endorse any candidate older than 52 for the 2027 governorship election. He emphasised a generational shift. He wants the young people to take charge
According to him, “I feel so old already,” setting the stage for a new breed of leadership that is more attuned to the youth of Oyo State.
Political commentators have also stated that Makinde’s position meant that prospective candidates might have to reevaluate their strategies in order to appeal to the youth demography, which is increasingly becoming more politically conscious and active. City People presents to you seven of the top prominent politicians who many expect will jostle for Gov. Makinde’s job come 2027 when Ibadan people will go to the polls to elect a new governor.
CHIEF JUBRIL DOTUN SANUSI
He stands out with his impressive professional background as an accomplished entrepreneur and a petroleum Engineer, Sanusi has made a name for himself beyond politics. He commands significant respect in business circles, particularly with his ventures including the International College of Arts, Science & Technology (ICAST) and Ilaji Farms. Although political observers might see him as a figure to watch, Sanusi has yet to signal his intention to contest. He is a philanthropist par excellence.
SENATOR SHARAFADEEN ALLI
With a rich history in politics spanning over three decades, he has experience on his side. His previous roles include serving as Secretary to the State Government and Chief of Staff under former Governor Rashidi Ladoja in the state. His extensive engagement in Oyo’s political landscape could make him a viable candidate but without a public declaration, he remains just a name floating in potential discussions. He is the current Chairman, Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, and a lawyer. He was once the Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited.
SENATOR TESLIM FOLARIN
He brings a formidable pedigree with a defined political trajectory, having served as Senator three times and possessing a political science degree from the University of Ibadan. He was the Senate Leader between 2007 and 2011. He was the governorship candidate of PDP in 2015 and APC in 2023. However, like others, he has yet to position himself as a contender in the 2027 race.
CHIEF ADEBAYO ADELABU
He is the current Minister of Power and a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. His name has also been thrown into the mix of the governorship race. His experience at the federal level could energise his candidacy; yet, the same hesitation in making official moves applies. It is said that the powers that be may support him to emerge as APC governorship candidate. But some of the gatekeepers in APC were overheard, saying that they would stay in the party, but work against him, based on the fallout of the 2023 general elections.
AMBASSADOR TAOFEEK ARAPAJA
Arapaja has huge experience in politics. He was an Executive Chairman of Ibadan South East Local Government under the zero party. He was re-elected as the Executive Chairman on the platform of Democratic Party of Nigeria (DPN) in 1997. He was in the House of Representatives and he served as deputy governor of the state from 2007 to 2011.
He had also served as a Nigerian Ambassador to Jordan and Iraq. He was the National Vice Chairman (South West) of PDP, before rising to the position of the party’s National Deputy Chairman (South).
HON. ADEREMI OSENI
Oseni is currently representing Ido/Ibarapa East Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. He is also the Chairman and Managing Director of Step Development Limited. He is a highly experienced, innovative, and results-driven Civil Engineering Manager.
He is a graduate of Civil Engineering from Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro in 1990, and he proceeded to the University of Leeds, United Kingdom, where he also obtained a Master’s Degree in Structural Engineering with a Distinction. He is the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA).
SHINA PELLER
Lately, there have been very strong indications that former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Shina Peller, may also throw his hat into the ring come 2027 when Oyo State is ready to go to the polls to elect a new governor. Some have dismissed his audacious ambition as nothing but a mere wish, but those who know this tenacious gentlemanm with a never say-die attitude will tell you he does not believe the word impossible exists. At least, not in his own dictionary. Immense pressure has been mounting on himAs in the past, he has dared where many of his age-mates fear to tread and come out triumphantly. Perhaps, this has given him more audacity and courage to dream bigger.
City People gathered that this suave politician who is also a big name in the entertainment industry, is rumoured to be eyeing the governorship position in 2027. Although, according to our source, the ambition is still being discussed in whispers and hushed tones.
Those who know this hugely accomplished gentleman will tell you he is eminently qualified to contest for Oyo State governorship and more than capable to deliver quality leadership and governance to the good people of Oyo State.
– Citypeople
