Former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in South Africa, Mr. Bola Babarinde, has called on the party to rethink its approach to candidate selection if it hopes to reclaim Oyo State in the 2027 governorship election.
In a statement issued Wednesday in Lagos, Babarinde urged the APC to move beyond conventional methods and instead field a candidate with innovation, integrity, strategic thinking, and a clear commitment to transforming the state.
“To win Oyo in 2027, the APC needs someone who embodies innovation, integrity, and international relevance—someone who can inspire, strategize, and deliver real change,” Babarinde said.
He noted that while some APC aspirants had recently declared interest in the governorship race, their emergence raises questions about capacity, legacy, and vision for Oyo’s future. He stressed that political ambition must be guided by wisdom, strategy, and an understanding of context.
“Oyo is a sleeping giant,” Babarinde said. “Once the cradle of Yoruba civilisation and a leader in education, health, culture, and innovation, the state has lost its edge.”
He acknowledged the efforts of the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi in restoring dignity and growth but criticised the current administration under Governor Seyi Makinde, stating that it falls short of the transformational leadership Oyo needs.
Babarinde pointed to stagnation in agriculture, education, sports, infrastructure, technology, and innovation, calling for a total rebirth of governance in the state. He warned against reverting to “recycled slogans and familiar faces without a legacy.”
“This is not the time for entitlement politics or nostalgia. Oyo people are more enlightened and demanding now. They want a game-changer, not a spectator,” he said.
Babarinde urged the APC to prioritise competence over sentiment in its 2027 candidate selection.
“The next governorship race should redefine Oyo’s destiny. We need a visionary who can think globally, act locally, and lead boldly someone capable of advancing science and technology, reviving agriculture, boosting tourism, and overhauling education,” he added.
