…. Former Deputy Governor May Emerge as Party Chairman
There are strong indications that the current Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Olaide Abass, may not return to his seat as the party prepares to unveil a new State Executive Committee on Tuesday.
GoalPoacher News gathered that the zoning arrangement recently adopted by stakeholders could significantly alter the power equation within the party’s state structure, a development that may ultimately work against the re-election bid of the incumbent chairman.
Within the Oyo APC, zoning is not merely an administrative formula but a political mechanism carefully designed to balance interests across the state’s 33 local government areas.
As consultations intensified ahead of the State Congress, credible party sources suggested that the chairmanship position may have been micro-zoned in a manner that excludes the incumbent’s local government or political bloc.
Should that arrangement stand, it would effectively shut the door on Abass’ return under the prevailing consensus model being promoted by influential leaders within the party.
The consensus approach being adopted leaves little room for open contest, as aspirants are expected to emerge through negotiation and internal agreements rather than competitive balloting.
In practical terms, once a position is allocated to a particular zone, only stakeholders from that designated axis can legitimately produce a nominee, thereby narrowing the field considerably.
Investigations revealed that quiet but strategic meetings have been taking place among key stakeholders, including party elders, former office holders, youth leaders and major financiers.
These consultations, reportedly held across Ibadan and other political strongholds in the state, are focused on repositioning the party for stronger electoral performance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Many within the party believed that restructuring the leadership at the top could help re-energise grassroots mobilisation, mend internal divisions and present a more unified front to the electorate.
Supporters of Abas argued that he has provided stability during turbulent periods and maintained internal cohesion despite electoral setbacks.
They insisted that continuity would strengthen institutional memory and prevent further fragmentation within the party.
However, critics maintained that the party required fresh leadership capable of rebuilding momentum and expanding its appeal beyond traditional strongholds.
Political observers noted that internal party decisions often depend less on personal performance and more on strategic calculations involving regional balancing, alliance building and future electoral viability.
The zoning arithmetic, therefore, may be driven by broader considerations aimed at ensuring inclusivity and preventing dominance by a single axis within the state chapter.
For the Oyo chapter of the APC, the State Congress represents a pivotal moment that could redefine the party’s internal balance of power.
If the zoning formula ultimately edges out Olaide Abas, it would signal a calculated redistribution of influence within the party’s hierarchy.
If, however, political negotiations produce a compromise, the incumbent may still find a pathway back through elite consensus.
Meanwhile, there are indications that political gladiators in the APC have reportedly endorsed a former deputy governor, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo as the next state chairman of the party.
Adeyemo served as deputy governor in the administration of late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi. The former deputy governor hails from Ogboro, Saki East.
