Why Gifting Oyo Guber Ticket to Teslim Folarin, Adelabu May Cost APC Victory in 2027

As the All Progressives Congress (APC) prepares for the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State, the party must confront a difficult but necessary truth; repeating old political calculations may once again hand victory to the opposition led by Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Two prominent figures, Senator Teslim Kolawole Folarin and Chief Adebayo Adelabu are widely seen as contenders for the APC ticket. However, handing the party’s flag to either of them could seriously undermine APC’s chances of reclaiming power in 2027.

The party, in Oyo State, faces a critical decision in choosing its gubernatorial candidate for the 2027 elections. As giving the nod to the aforementioned might hinder the party’s chances of victory.

Folarin, the 2023 APC gubernatorial candidate, has been actively mobilizing support and emphasizing the need for unity within the party. Despite his efforts, the party’s internal divisions and past defeats raise concerns about his candidacy.

On the other hand, Adelabu, the Minister of Power, has declared his intention to run for governor, citing his experience and qualifications. However, his candidacy has sparked mixed reactions, with some questioning his ability to connect with grassroots supporters and his failure as Minister of power.

Key Concerns:

• Lack of Grassroots Support: Adelabu’s ministerial role and Folarin’s past defeats might limit their appeal to grassroots supporters

• Alternative Candidates: Other candidates might offer a fresh perspective and stronger grassroots connections.
• The Burden of Past Defeats: Senator Teslim Folarin was the APC’s candidate in the 2023 governorship election and suffered a decisive defeat. In politics, perception matters. Re-presenting a candidate already rejected at the polls risks reinforcing the narrative that the APC lacks fresh ideas and credible alternatives capable of challenging the incumbent.

• Internal Party Divisions:
  Both camps have historically been associated with intense intra-party rivalry. If either emerges as the candidate, there is a strong possibility that dissatisfied factions within the APC could become lukewarm or even hostile toward the party’s campaign.

History has shown that a divided APC cannot win Oyo State.

• The Risk of Repeating Old Mistakes:

Since the 2019 election that brought Governor Seyi Makinde to power, APC’s major challenge in Oyo has not only been the strength of the opposition but also self-inflicted divisions and recycled political strategies.

Repeating the same approach in 2027 could once again produce the same disappointing outcome.

6. The Need for a Fresh, Unifying Candidate:

If APC truly intends to return to the Government House in 2027, the party must look beyond familiar names and consider a candidate who can unite all factions within the party,
command genuine grassroots loyalty, appeal to young voters and undecided electorates.

Present a fresh and credible alternative to the current administration.

The Bottom Line:

The 2027 election will not be won through political entitlement or recycled ambitions. It will be won through unity, credibility, and a candidate who represents a genuine new direction for APC in Oyo State.

If the party fails to learn from past mistakes, it risks once again handing victory to its opponents.

We stand with APC: Justice, transparency, accountability and respect for either consensus or direct primary.