The dynamic of Oyo State politics makes it one of the unique in the political journey of Nigeria as a country since first Republic, Ibadan, the capital of the state has been the socio political capital of the West and it has been a residential abode for many political gladiators before and after independence.
Past Ibadan based political strategists/ gladiators played a major role in getting independence for the most populous country in Africa. No wonder it was tagged “the city of the first”, war and political gladiators.
Fast forward to the present political atmosphere in the state and preparations for 2027 elections in the state. Some schools of thought believe it is too early to start preparing or talking about the elections, but some gladiators had thrown the hats into the ring. Some were seen as pretenders, and another school of thought believed that Governor Seyi Makinde, with his excellent performance in the state, held the key into Agodi Government House, and he will decide who would occupy the state house in 2027.
God holds tomorrow, but good preparation, availability of funds, strong political platforms, people/ gatekeeper’s acceptability, and political collaboration and efficient strategies will determine who will emerge at the end of the day.
Some schools of thought believed that some aspirants in the ring now are pretenders and doesn’t have the political capacity or strength to compete with the executive governor of the state, considering so many factors, which I agree but learning from Late Ajimobi’s government, and his inability to hand over to his party candidate, make some people to believe that “never say never”
This takes me to the school of Alaafin Molete, one of the biggest political strategists in the history of our country and the dear state, Late Baba, Lamidi Adedibu, his political school believed that, picking a candidate or successor “early” do stabilised party structure and gives rooms for proper reconciliation and realignment of members, months, even years before elections and also discourage time and money wastage by other interested party members.
2027 is not far, and the journey has begun, and many people will still join the race, the two major political parties, and a possible “third force” before election but I strongly believe PDP under the leadership of Engr Seyi Makinde hold the key, if the party didn’t miscalculate and also consider the “acceptability” of the candidate the party will put forward.
The above is my opinion, and I wish all pretenders and contestants a smooth journey to May 29, 2027.
Otunba Yomi Ojo
Fiwajoye
Write from Ibadan.