Oyo State Governor says APC will not be barred from Mapo Hall, but local authority reports denial of venue

Campaign rally plans for Mapo Hall

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde reiterated that the All Progressives Congress (APC) should not be excluded from using Mapo Hall in Ibadan for its presidential campaign, provided the party complies with the established procedures for accessing public facilities. Makinde made the comment in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, on 28 October 2026, ahead of a rally that President Bola Tinubu is slated to attend on 21 November 2026.

The rally is expected to draw APC leaders, governors, party supporters and other political stakeholders from the South‑West region. Makinde stressed that public assets belong to the people of Oyo State and must be administered transparently and without partisan bias. He urged all political actors to conduct their activities peacefully and called on authorities to handle venue allocations fairly.

Conflicting reports on venue availability

In contrast to Makinde’s statement, the Ibadan Local Government Properties Company sent a formal rejection to the APC’s request to use Mapo Hall. The letter, signed by Principal Executive Officer Akano Musibau, referenced a request dated 20 October 2026 and indicated that the proposed date was unavailable because the hall had already been booked by another applicant. The rejection was reported by Leadership on 27 October 2026.

The two accounts present differing narratives: Makinde’s administration emphasises a policy of non‑discrimination, while the local government property agency cites a scheduling conflict as the reason for denial. The Leadership article suggested the decision might be linked to Governor Makinde’s own presidential ambitions, noting that he is contesting President Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 elections.

Background

Mapo Hall, a historic colonial‑era building in Ibadan, has long been used for official functions and public gatherings. Oyo State’s protocol for allocating government‑owned venues requires applicants to meet specific conditions, including payment of fees, submission of security plans and adherence to maintenance guidelines. Makinde’s administration has previously highlighted a commitment to equal access for all political parties, asserting that the state’s democratic processes depend on a level playing field.

The APC’s request to host a presidential campaign rally at Mapo Hall aligns with a broader flurry of political activity ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. President Bola Tinubu, the incumbent, is expected to campaign in the South‑West, a region that includes Oyo State, to consolidate support. Meanwhile, Governor Makinde, a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has announced his intention to run for president, positioning the state as a focal point for both parties.

Why it matters

The dispute over Mapo Hall’s availability highlights the tension between procedural fairness and political rivalry in a key electoral battleground. If the APC is permitted to use the venue, it would signal adherence to the governor’s stated policy of impartiality and could set a precedent for future allocations of public spaces during election cycles.

Conversely, the denial, if upheld, may be perceived as a tactical move that could fuel accusations of bias against the incumbent governor’s administration. Such perceptions could influence voter sentiment in Oyo State and the wider South‑West, where both the APC and PDP are vying for support.

The outcome also affects logistical planning for the APC’s campaign. A confirmed venue would allow the party to organise security, media coverage and supporter mobilisation for the 21 November rally. A denial forces the party to seek an alternative location, potentially disrupting campaign timelines and resource allocation.

What happens next

According to Makinde’s statement, any party that satisfies the stipulated conditions should be granted access, implying that the APC could still secure Mapo Hall if it resolves the scheduling issue or meets any additional requirements set by the Ibadan Local Government Properties Company.

The local authority’s letter did not specify an alternative date or venue, leaving the APC to either appeal the decision or identify a different site for the rally. No further official comment from the APC or the Ibadan Local Government Properties Company has been reported as of the latest updates.

Stakeholders, including political analysts and civil society groups, are likely to monitor the situation closely, as the handling of public venue allocations may become a point of scrutiny in the lead‑up to the 2027 elections.