A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Oloye Ismaila Akinade Fijabi, has stated that the impressive performance of Governor Seyi Makinde will make it difficult for any opposition candidate to defeat the governor’s anointed successor in the 2027 governorship election.
Fijabi made this remark while speaking on a live radio programme on Sunday morning, where he openly commended Governor Makinde’s track record and growing influence, particularly in Ibadan.
“I remain an APC stalwart, but one must give credit where it is due. Governor Seyi Makinde is doing well. As an Ibadan man, the level of development he has brought to the city and beyond will make it tough to unseat whoever he supports,” Fijabi stated.
APC in Disarray, Urgent Rebuilding Needed
The APC elder statesman lamented the current state of the party in Oyo State, describing it as disorganized and in need of urgent restructuring. He emphasized the importance of unity and inclusion of all stakeholders to avoid another electoral defeat.
“For the APC to stand any chance in 2027, we must fix our internal crisis. There must be sincere reconciliation. People like Senator Teslim Folarin, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, and other key stakeholders must come together to rebuild the party. If we repeat the mistake of imposition, we’ll lose again,” he warned.
Fijabi further revealed that several APC members have secretly pledged allegiance to Governor Makinde, even if they have not formally defected.
“Many are already working with Makinde behind the scenes. I’m only voicing what others are thinking but won’t say out loud,” he noted.
Ibadan’s Political Dominance
Touching on the recurring debate around political dominance in the state, Fijabi said that unless other zones of Oyo State unite, Ibadan will continue to produce the governor.
“Ibadan is politically united. Unless other regions come together and build consensus, it will remain difficult to wrest power from Ibadan. Until an Ibadan State is carved out, this imbalance may persist,” he remarked.
Call for Inclusion of Credible Aspirants
Fijabi also criticized the sidelining of capable aspirants from important party deliberations. He listed his son, Hon. Saheed Fijabi; Chief Sharafadeen Alli; Senator Teslim Folarin; and Hon. Remi Oseni as competent individuals who deserve to be more actively involved in the party’s affairs.
“These are experienced and capable people, yet they are excluded from critical meetings where key decisions are made. That’s not how to build a winning team,” he cautioned.
He concluded the interview by speaking warmly about his relationship with Fuji maestro Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (Kwam 1), whom he described as “a good and responsible man.”
