The political permutations ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State have taken a fresh turn following the reported alignment of the former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Teslim Kolawole Folarin, with the party’s governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, and other APC candidates across the state.
The development, which has generated reactions among APC supporters, is being described by party loyalists as a significant step towards consolidating the party’s structure and strengthening its position ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The reported alignment is also being viewed by supporters of the APC as a development that could alter existing political calculations involving Governor Seyi Makinde, the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, and other political actors in the state.
Folarin, a three-term senator and the Jagun Olubadan of Ibadanland, is a prominent figure in Oyo State politics, with years of legislative experience and political engagement. Alli, on his part, is the APC’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election and is regarded as one of the most formidable grassroots mobilisers in Oyo State.
Political observers within the APC believe that cooperation between the two politicians could strengthen the party’s internal cohesion, encourage reconciliation among aggrieved members and improve coordination among its candidates across the 33 local government areas of the state.
For APC stakeholders, the significance of the reported alignment goes beyond the relationship between the two politicians. They see it as an opportunity to bring party leaders and candidates together under a common political agenda while strengthening grassroots mobilisation ahead of the elections.
The development is also expected to intensify political calculations within the opposition camp, particularly as the ruling political establishment and emerging opposition platforms position themselves for the 2027 contest.
Supporters of Alli have maintained that a united APC, backed by coordinated mobilisation and effective engagement with voters, would be central to the party’s ambition of returning to the Agodi Government House.
They argue that cooperation among influential party figures would help reduce internal divisions and create a more coordinated campaign structure across the state.
However, the extent to which the reported alignment will affect the political fortunes of the APC, the APM and other parties remains to be seen as consultations and realignments continue ahead of the election.
The development nevertheless underscores the growing importance of political alliances, party cohesion and strategic engagement in Oyo State’s unfolding 2027 governorship contest.
For APC loyalists, the message is that closing ranks and rallying behind the party’s candidates are essential to their quest to reclaim power in the state.
David Oluokun
BSA Voice of Reason Media & RHAIN Coordinator