Oyo 2027: Speaker, Lawmakers Back Adekanmbi for APM Governorship Ticket
A notable political alignment is taking shape in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 governorship election, as the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, led several lawmakers to publicly identify with Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi as the preferred governorship aspirant of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
The show of support took place during a breakfast meeting held at Adekanmbi’s residence in Iyaganku GRA, Ibadan, where members of the 10th Assembly and party stakeholders gathered for discussions centred on the state’s political direction and the forthcoming electoral cycle.
Speaking at the meeting, Ogundoyin said the decision of the lawmakers to stand with Adekanmbi was based on their assessment of his political experience, administrative exposure, and longstanding involvement in public service. According to the Speaker, the endorsement reflects a shared belief among the legislators that Adekanmbi possesses the capacity to provide steady leadership and unite different interests across the state.
He noted that the lawmakers are interested in supporting individuals whose track record and disposition suggest an understanding of governance beyond partisan lines. Ogundoyin added that the period leading to 2027 would require consultations, bridge-building, and issue-driven engagement with the electorate.
Other members of the legislative body who attended the event were in agreement about their sentiments on Adekanmbi, stating that he is one of those who know the political landscape in Oyo State and has the ability to steer through the complexities of being in a leadership role.
In his response, Adekanmbi expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him by the Speaker and the legislators. He described the endorsement as a call to deeper responsibility and pledged to continue consultations with party members, community leaders, youth groups, and professional bodies across the state.
Adekanmbi said his focus would remain on policies that touch directly on livelihoods, education, healthcare delivery, infrastructure renewal, and opportunities for young people. He stressed the need for politics in the state to revolve around clear plans and measurable goals rather than divisive rhetoric.
He also stated that the coming months would be devoted to meeting stakeholders in all zones of the state to listen to concerns and expectations, noting that broad participation would be necessary in shaping a workable agenda for the future.
The development signals early movements within Oyo’s political space as parties and aspirants begin to position themselves for what is expected to be a keenly contested election. While the APM is not currently the ruling party in the state, the endorsement by serving lawmakers gives the party’s early preparations added visibility.
Observers say such alignments, even at this stage, often influence the tone of political engagement long before formal campaigns begin. The role of principal officers of the Assembly is indicative of the way that legislative members can participate in discussions regarding succession and governance.
This is not Adekanmbi’s first time in the politics of Oyo, as he had been in the political limelight before in one way or another. Supporters at the meeting referenced his familiarity with policy processes and his relationships across party lines as qualities that could prove useful in the build-up to 2027.
The breakfast meeting, though informal in setting, served as a platform for broader political discussions about continuity, reform, and the expectations of residents across urban and rural communities. Participants stressed the importance of engaging voters early with clear ideas rather than waiting for the formal campaign season.
As consultations continue within the APM and beyond, the endorsement marks one of the earliest open declarations of preference by a group of elected officials in the state’s evolving political calendar.
With nearly two years to the election, attention is gradually shifting toward those who may seek to lead Oyo State next, and how parties intend to present their choices to the electorate.
