A socio-political advocacy group in the Oke Ogun zone of Oyo State, operating under the name Ẹgbẹ́ Àjọṣepọ̀ Fún Ìtẹsiwájú Gbogbo Wa, has formally opposed a move by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to zone its state chairmanship position to the region.
The association described the proposed arrangement as a deliberate political maneuver that could undermine Oke Ogun’s longstanding ambition to produce the next governor of the state.
For several years, the group has campaigned consistently for the governorship ticket to be ceded to Oke Ogun ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to its members, the chairmanship zoning is a subtle strategy that risks sidelining the zone from contesting the state’s highest political office.
They argue that placing the chairmanship in Oke Ogun would not constitute real inclusion but instead limit the zone’s ability to field a viable gubernatorial candidate within the APC’s internal power-sharing structure.
“The proposed chairmanship zoning will effectively prevent Oke Ogun from competing for the governorship,” the group stated in a recent press release.
“This approach diminishes the region’s political prospects and weakens its influence within the party.”
The association emphasized that Oke Ogun possesses a wealth of experienced and qualified political figures who are fully capable of securing and successfully managing the governorship mandate.
Among those cited are Barrister Bayo Shittu, a former Minister of Communications; Engr. Rauf Olaniyan, a former Deputy Governor; Dr. Gbenga Adegbola; Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin; and Dr. Kazeem Ayandoye.
These individuals, the group asserted, combine political experience, administrative expertise, and grassroots connectivity necessary to mount a credible governorship campaign under the APC banner in 2027.
“These leaders have the capacity and vision to lead Oyo State effectively,” said the association.
“It is unjust to confine the zone to the party chairmanship while ignoring its potential to contest for the governorship.”
The group further warned that disregarding Oke Ogun’s demands could erode party loyalty, lower enthusiasm among its supporters, and create openings for political defections, as historically observed in similar situations.
Tensions surrounding the issue became visible on Sunday when members of Ẹgbẹ́ Àjọṣepọ̀ staged a peaceful protest at the APC state secretariat.
Demonstrators carried placards emblazoned with messages that reflected their disapproval of the proposed zoning arrangement.
Some of the inscriptions read: “Give us governorship seat in 2027,” “Let Okeogun breathe,” “Allow Okeogun grow,” “We are not slaves,” “No to Party Chairman position again,” and “We want true democracy.”
The protest was orderly and peaceful, intended to highlight the zone’s dissatisfaction and to urge the party leadership to reconsider its approach.
“Our goal is not confrontation but equity,” one of the protest leaders explained.
“We want the APC to recognize Oke Ogun’s political contributions and ensure fair internal arrangements that respect the aspirations of all zones in Oyo State.”
In a statement released on Tuesday, signed by the group’s Chairman, Dauda Olaifa, and Secretary, Favour Adewoyin, the association formally demanded that the APC zone the 2027 governorship ticket to Oke Ogun.
The statement stressed principles of fairness, equity, and inclusivity as the foundation of their request.
“Oke Ogun has never produced a governor, yet the zone has historically delivered votes and remained loyal to the party,” the statement read.
“It is now time to accord the zone the governorship opportunity it rightly deserves.”
To strengthen its position, the association highlighted historical political trends in Oyo State.
While Oke Ogun has produced several deputy governors and state party chairmen over the years, it has never occupied the governorship seat.
Meanwhile, Ibadan has dominated the governorship since 1999, a pattern the group described as inequitable.
The association also invoked constitutional provisions on federal character and rotational leadership, emphasizing that political inclusion must reflect both loyalty and demographic significance.
Olaifa further underscored that the advocacy is not solely about regional representation.
“This is about acknowledging Oke Ogun’s tangible contributions to the state’s development and governance,” he said.
“The zone has consistently supported the party, delivered votes, and nurtured political structures. Denying it the governorship in 2027 would amount to political injustice.”
The group warned that failure to heed its demands could have far-reaching consequences for the APC in Oyo State.
Historical examples show that internal dominance and marginalization have sometimes led to defections, weakening party cohesion and undermining electoral prospects.
“A fair and inclusive approach benefits the party and the state,” Olaifa added.
“Ignoring Oke Ogun’s aspirations risks disenfranchising a politically loyal and electorally significant zone.”
As the 2027 election approaches, the debate over zoning in Oyo State is expected to intensify.
Oke Ogun leaders insist that genuine internal democracy requires the equitable distribution of political offices and opportunities.
They have called on the APC leadership to review its zoning plan, prioritize fairness, and ensure that the governorship ticket is allocated to Oke Ogun as a reflection of equity and recognition of the zone’s contributions.
The advocacy group concluded that the Oke Ogun zone is prepared to mobilize, support qualified candidates, and actively participate in the electoral process, provided the party respects principles of fairness and representation.
Ireport247news
