Oyo APC leaders gather in Lagos for unity talks ahead of 2027 elections

The head of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State gathered with colleagues on Thursday at the home of Florence Ajimobi, the Nigerian envoy to Austria, located in Lagos. The gathering, described as a strategic meeting, brought together key political figures and governorship aspirants within the party to discuss their collective position ahead of the 2027 general elections. The primary objective of the session was to foster reconciliation and strengthen internal party cohesion in the state.

Attendees included former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari who represents the Oyo North constituency, and legal practitioner Akeem Agbaje. Teslim Folarin, who coordinates the APC’s presidential campaign efforts in Oyo State, was also in attendance. A person acquainted with the talks stated that the gathering was dedicated to revitalizing and fortifying the local APC branch via authentic reconciliation, broad-based leadership, and a refreshed sense of solidarity. The participants aimed to present a united front in support of President Bola Tinubu and the party’s designated candidate for the state, Sharafadeen Alli.

Background

This Lagos meeting is the latest in a series of recent engagements involving Folarin and Adelabu, both of whom have been active in rallying support for the party’s leadership and candidate. On the preceding Wednesday, Folarin had convened a separate meeting at the party’s state secretariat in Ibadan with similar objectives for the 2027 polls. That Ibadan gathering attracted a wide array of senior party members and former officials.

Those who attended the Wednesday session in Ibadan included former deputy governor Rauf Olaniyan, the current Oyo APC chairman Moses Adeyemo, and former governor’s wife Kemi Alao-Akala. Sunday Dare, the presidential special assistant for media and public communication, joined the group, accompanied by Ayo Adeseun and Femi Lanlehin. The roster of guests further featured Taoheed Adedoja, the former minister for youth and sports, Akin Oke, the previous state APC chair, Hosea Agboola, the ex-Senate chief whip, Taofeek Arapaja, the former deputy governor, Brimoh Yusuf, and Fatai Ibikunle. These consecutive meetings highlight an intensified effort by party stakeholders to consolidate their ranks before the upcoming electoral cycle.

Why it matters

The reconciliation efforts are significant as they aim to resolve internal divisions that could otherwise weaken the party’s electoral prospects in Oyo State. By bringing together prominent figures such as Folarin, Adelabu, and Buhari, the party seeks to project an image of unity and inclusive leadership. This is crucial for mobilizing support for President Tinubu and the gubernatorial candidate, Sharafadeen Alli. The success of these unity talks will likely influence the party’s ability to campaign effectively and secure votes in the 2027 elections. The involvement of high-profile members from both the state and federal levels underscores the importance the party places on stabilizing its structure in Oyo State.

What happens next

Following these reconciliation moves, the Oyo State APC is scheduled to host President Bola Tinubu for a presidential campaign rally in Ibadan, the state capital. This event is planned for November 21. The rally will serve as a public demonstration of the party’s unity and commitment to the 2027 electoral agenda, providing a platform to engage with the electorate and reinforce the messages discussed in the recent private meetings.