A former Nigerian Ambassador to Togo, Debo Adesina, has called on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to give due consideration to the Oke-Ogun axis of Oyo State in its consensus arrangement ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Adesina stated that what he described as a long-standing injustice against the people of Oke-Ogun should play a decisive role in determining the party’s candidate for the election.
Speaking as a leader of the Ireakari Group, he noted that the Oke-Ogun axis accounts for about 31 percent of the voting population in Oyo State and occupies roughly 60 percent of the state’s landmass, making it a significant political bloc.
He argued that the region deserves fair representation in the party’s decision-making process, particularly in the selection of its governorship flagbearer.
Adesina warned that any consensus arrangement perceived as exclusive or unjust could negatively impact the APC’s chances in the general election.
“As loyal party members and progressive-minded people, Oke-Ogun residents remain committed to the party, especially under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
“However, after decades of marginalisation, it is only fair for the political establishment to reflect on how a region contributing significantly to the voting population continues to be sidelined.”
The former envoy, who also served as Editor-in-Chief and Chief Operating Officer of The Guardian newspapers, added that the APC has numerous qualified and capable aspirants from Oke-Ogun who could emerge as consensus candidates if fairness is prioritised.
Adesina, a leader of the Justice Forum in Oyo State and founder of the Omi Aanu Foundation, concluded by urging the party leadership to address the issue objectively and ensure equitable treatment for the people of Oke-Ogun.
About The Author
