Indigenes of the Oke-Ogun zone in Oyo State have appealed to the All Progressives Congress, APC, to zone its governorship ticket for the 2027 election to the area, citing principles of fairness, equity and inclusiveness.
The call was made by members of Egbe Ajosepo Fun Itesiwaju Gbogbo Wa, a socio-cultural organisation representing Oke-Ogun interests, while explaining their involvement in the ongoing APC Renewed Hope Unity Rally in the state.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Ibadan and jointly signed by the group’s National Chairman, Mr Dauda Olaifa, and Secretary, Pastor Favour Adewoyin, the group urged the APC leadership in Oyo State to give serious consideration to producing its next governorship candidate from Oke-Ogun.
The organisation praised the APC for what it described as renewed energy and strategic direction, noting that the party had begun early efforts to strengthen its structure ahead of the 2027 general elections. It said the unity rally reflected the party’s preparedness and clear sense of purpose.
However, the group clarified that its presence at the APC rally should not be interpreted as partisan mobilisation, stressing that it remained a non-political body.
According to the statement, participation in the rally was a conscious move to draw attention to what it described as the longstanding and legitimate demand for Oke-Ogun to produce a governor in the next election cycle.
“As indigenes of Oke-Ogun, we believe the time has come to clearly and confidently state our position: 2027 should mark Oke-Ogun’s turn to produce the governor of Oyo State,” the group said.
It added that its engagements during the unity drive in Kisi, Saki and Iseyin were part of a broader outreach that cuts across political parties, including the APC, PDP, ADC, Accord and Labour Party.
“We are not aligned with any political party. We are a non-partisan advocacy platform dedicated solely to the equitable rotation of the governorship to Oke-Ogun in 2027,” the statement said.
While reaffirming support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition, the group appealed to the APC leadership to act in line with justice, equity, inclusiveness and the principle of federal character by zoning the governorship ticket to Oke-Ogun.
It noted that the zone has several capable and credible aspirants, including former deputy governors, a former minister and other notable personalities with the experience and capacity to lead Oyo State effectively.
“Whoever eventually emerges, Oke-Ogun is united, prepared and committed to delivering its full electoral support. Rotational leadership has worked in many states, and Oyo State should also embrace it,” the group stated.
The organisation said its demand was anchored on fairness and constitutional balance, referencing Sections 14(3) and 14(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which emphasise inclusivity, diversity and equitable representation at all levels of government.
It further argued that Oke-Ogun’s push for the governorship does not undermine its senatorial aspirations, noting that precedents exist where other zones have legitimately held both positions.
