In a strategic move aimed at consolidating unity ahead of the 2027 governorship race in Oyo State, the wife of the former governor and Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to Austria, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, on Monday, hosted key All Progressives Congress governorship aspirants at her Ikoyi, Lagos residence.
The gathering, The PUNCH gathered, underscored the party’s efforts to present a united front and prevent internal crises that could weaken its electoral chances.
The meeting brought together a cross-section of influential APC figures, including the party’s 2023 governorship candidate, Teslim Folarin; former deputy governor, Aderemi Olaniyan; senators representing Oyo North and South districts, Abdulfatai Buhari and Sharafadeen Alli, respectively; former Ibadan Bar Chairman, Akeem Agbaje; federal lawmaker representing Ido/Ibarapa East, Remi Oseni; Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu; party leader, Fatai Ibikunle; state APC Chairman, Moses Alake Adeyemo; and party stalwart, Idris Adeoye.
Other notable attendees were Oyo South senatorial aspirant Kolapo Kola-Daisi; former lawmaker, Seyi Adisa; former Deputy National Youth Leader of the party, Afeez Bolaji Repete; Ajimobi’s son, Idris Ajimobi; and media aide to the Minister of Power, Bolaji Tunji.
The meeting, which lasted from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm, focused on achieving consensus around the party’s 2027 governorship candidate.
The PUNCH gathered that the aspirants reportedly resolved to remain loyal to the candidate endorsed by President Bola Tinubu.
They, however, demanded that the selection process must be “all-inclusive” and transparent.
A key outcome of the discussion was the agreement that aspirants should personally meet with the President to understand his preference rather than rely on intermediaries.
One of those privy to discussions at the meeting, who preferred anonymity, said, “The APC in Oyo must present a united front. We all agreed that whoever President Tinubu suggests will have our collective support. The process must be credible, and the President deserves to speak directly to us on his choice.”
The meeting comes a day after President Tinubu met with Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at his Ikoyi residence.
The Sunday meeting, which was called by the President, might not be unconnected with political development in the state.
On Friday, April 3, 2026, the state government declared Alli and two others as traditional rulers in absentia.
The PUNCH reported that a meeting of stakeholders with the President had settled on Alli as the party’s governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 elections.
Those at the meeting noted that Alli’s popularity and electoral appeal would strengthen the party, while his selection was unlikely to be as controversial as that of Folarin or Adelabu. The PUNCH also gathered that it was concluded at the meeting that Adelabu might not be able to deliver the level of unity the party would need for the election.
The report unsettled the state chapter of the party, with leaders issuing statements debunking the consensus deal.
Oyo State has historically been a politically sensitive terrain for the APC, with internal rivalries threatening party cohesion in previous election cycles.
In 2023, Folarin represented the party in the governorship election but lost to Governor Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Florence Ajimobi’s involvement and bringing all concerned parties together is viewed as strategic, leveraging her influence and network within the party to mediate between aspirants and ensure unity.
punch.ng
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