A political advocacy group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State on the aiges of Oyo APC Youth League, has cautioned the national leadership of the party to exercise caution in the selection of governorship candidates for the 2027 general elections, warning that poor choices could threaten the party’s fortunes in the South-west and potentially undermine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election prospects in the region.
The group particular warned against two prominent politicians who had failed at their different attempts for the governorship contest in the said states but are still dusting their shoes to contest in 2027.
In a statement released Friday in Abuja, signed by the group’s spokesman, Taorid Olawale, urged the party to prioritize integrity, credibility, and grassroots acceptance in selecting candidates for key states in the South-west, particularly Oyo, Ogun and Lagos states.
The group stressed that in Yorubaland personal history and public reputation of political aspirants remain critical factors in determining electoral support.
According to the statement, voters in the region expect candidates whose lives demonstrate honesty, service, and a genuine connection to the grassroots.
It warned that presenting aspirants with questionable records or widespread public distrust could damage the credibility of the party and weaken its electoral chances in the South-west especially in Oyo state.
The group further argued that such decisions could also negatively affect President Tinubu’s anticipated bid for re-election in 2027.
The Youth League particularly highlighted the political importance of Ibadan and called attention to the counsel of the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, describing him as a respected technocrat, former senator, and former governor whose voice remains influential among the people.
According to the group, the royal father’s experience in governance and his deep grassroots connection make his perspective valuable in guiding both the President and the APC in choosing credible candidates, especially in Oyo state.
The Youth League again warned that some individuals seeking political office carry what it described as “heavy baggage of public distrust,” adding that their past actions remain well known to the public and could be used against the party during elections.
“In politics, sins are not forgiven; they are merely kept until the right time for reckoning,” the statement said, cautioning that allowing controversial figures to secure party tickets through internal political maneuvering could have far-reaching consequences for the party across the region.
The group therefore urged the APC national leadership to ensure that its eventual candidates possess unquestionable integrity, broad public acceptance, and the ability to command respect across political and social divides.
It concluded by warning further that the decisions taken by the party in selecting candidates for Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos states would play a decisive role in determining whether the APC retains its dominance in the South-west or faces rejection by the electorate.
“The stakes are high and history will not forgive a misstep,” the statement said.
“In this regard, opinion poll has truly indicated that the APC as a party may have a deficit of victory in the next governorship election in Oyo state if it fields any of its old candidates.
The APC can rob itself of victory if its leadership turns defiant against public expectation of picking a young, fresh, virtuous and modest candidate to represent the party in 2027 governorship election.”