Political activities ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State have intensified, with major political parties already witnessing a surge in the number of aspirants seeking their respective tickets.

The All Progressives Congress [APC] currently has the highest number of aspirants, with 11 political heavyweights already in the race for the party’s governorship ticket.

The Oyo State Publicity Secretary of the APC, Wale Sadare, listed the aspirants to include Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem, Senator Sarafadeen Alli, former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Barrister Akeem Agbaje, Mr. Akeem Alao, former Deputy Governor, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan, Dr. Ayobami Lam-Adesina, Senator Fatai Buhari and Usman Ololade Bakare.

The development signals what observers describe as an early scramble for the Agodi Government House, with aspirants already mobilising supporters and consulting stakeholders across the state.

Within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), three aspirants have so far emerged for the governorship contest.

Among them is Amofin Beulah Adeoye, who recently picked up his Expression of Interest form at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, formally signalling his entry into the race.

Former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Hazeem Gbolarumi, has also submitted his nomination form, while Mogaji Kayode Ogunsola has also joined the contest.

The Chairman of the PDP in Oyo State, Prof. Rahman Akinoso, is said to be coordinating activities ahead of the party’s primary process.

In the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the state chairman, Alhaji Yinka Olona, disclosed that five aspirants had obtained nomination forms ahead of the governorship race.

The aspirants include former Commissioner for Health and former APC governorship aspirant, Dr. Azeez Adeduntan, who recently defected to the ADC, human rights lawyer, Barrister Niyi Aborisade, Taofeek Adegboyega, Chief Bisi Ilaka and Dr. Gbemileke Alagbe.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), however, is yet to commence the sale of nomination forms.

According to the Oyo State Chairman of the party, Princess Oyeronke Akinlolu, preparations are still ongoing ahead of the formal opening of the governorship process.

Meanwhile, two notable figures have also emerged within the Accord. They are popular broadcaster, Oriyomi Hamzat, and former Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni.

In the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), former Commissioner for Finance in Oyo State, Mr. Bimbo Adekanmbi, has emerged as a governorship hopeful.

Political analysts believe the growing number of aspirants across parties reflects the strategic importance of Oyo State ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly as political stakeholders intensify moves to succeed Governor Seyi Makinde at the expiration of his tenure. (The Guardian)