By AbdulWaheed Lawal
As a prelude to the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State, the debate over rotation, zoning, and power shift has become the most prominent political topic across the state.
Both politicians and nonpartisan citizens are now echoing the call for the governorship to rotate from Ibadan to other zones, with even some Ibadan indigenes supporting the move in the spirit of fairness and unity. Many from Ibadan argue that it’s time to let other zones produce the governor, while some Ibadan politicians, who see their ambitions blocked if the governor remains from their city, are quietly strategizing for their interests. Politics, after all, is driven by personal and group interests.
Across Oyo State, political meetings are dominated by discussions about power shift ahead of 2027. However, not everyone is genuinely interested in this agitation. Some, knowing they lack the qualifications or resources to contest, are indifferent, realizing that their zones cannot realistically secure both the governorship and senatorial tickets at once.
Meanwhile, some zones remain divided, unable to agree on which offices to pursue, a lack of unity that could cost them dearly. We have heard of aspirants from a particular zone that are agitating for governorship already lobbying and romancing one aspirant claiming to be the annointed candidate.
Among the aspirants, some are more interested in recognition than in winning, using their campaigns to boost their profiles rather than to mount serious challenges. The reality is that winning the governorship is a formidable task, not suited for the unprepared. The example of Governor Seyi Makinde, who succeeded after multiple attempts, is a reminder that persistence and innovation are key.
Aspirants must not assume that past strategies will work again. The electorates are becoming more discerning, and tactics like “E Dibo E Sebe” vote-buying are less effective. Humility, rather than arrogance or academic pedigree, is needed to win public support.
Notably, the APC in Oke-Ogun and Oyo North has formally resolved to push for the governorship to rotate to their district, taking concrete steps to communicate their demands to party and national leaders.
Several advocacy groups are also pressing for a power shift, and the presidency has been inundated with requests to ensure fairness. I’m very optimistic from the feelers one is getting that they will consider the agitation. Therefore, any name dropping of the presidency on his anointment should be discountenanced.
While the PDP appears less vocal, partly due to the influence of Governor Makinde, the momentum for power shift continues to grow. The fear of Makinde is the beginning of wisdom for the aspirants in PDP. If you rush out , you will be crushed. Even the PDP members from Okeogun could not openly support agitation for power shift for fear of loosing favour.
Ultimately, for equity, fairness, and balanced development, Oyo State stands to benefit if the governorship rotates among its diverse zones. Let the indigines of other zones govern and see the difference.
*AbdulWaheed Olatunde Lawal is a legal practitioner and a chieftain of APC from Saki-Okeogun.