2027: Ayinde endorses Gbadegesin, urges Oyo APC to shun compromises

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Femi Ayinde, has called on the party in Oyo State to present what he described as an “undiluted” candidate ahead of the next governorship election, warning that a repeat of past strategies could result in another electoral defeat.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Ayinde said the APC would only stand a realistic chance of returning to power in the state if it abandoned political compromises and internal arrangements that had weakened the party in previous elections.

He urged the party to prioritise ideological clarity, competence and loyalty in the selection of its governorship candidate.

Ayinde specifically endorsed Mr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, describing him as a credible and uncompromised aspirant who, according to him, embodies the progressive ideals of the APC.

He argued that Gbadegesin’s emergence would help address long-standing challenges within the party, including internal disunity and uninspiring campaign strategies.

“The APC in Oyo State has paid dearly for rewarding political opportunism under the guise of electability,” Ayinde said.

“The result has been predictable—disunity, weak mobilisation and electoral losses. The party needs a candidate with conviction, discipline and a clear reform agenda,” he added.

Ayinde noted that voters in Oyo State, particularly young people, were increasingly demanding accountability, competence and fresh leadership, adding that familiar political faces without new ideas were losing appeal among the electorate.

He further argued that presenting Gbadegesin as the party’s flagbearer would energise party members, restore confidence among supporters and offer residents a credible alternative to the current administration.

Ayinde urged the APC leadership in the state to make what he described as a decisive and courageous choice, stressing that the party’s prospects in the next election would depend largely on the quality and credibility of its candidate.

“The decision before the APC is simple: either the party chooses to win with clarity and conviction, or it repeats old mistakes and faces another avoidable defeat,” he said.