The Labour Party in Oyo State has declared that competence and leadership ability—not zoning considerations—will determine who becomes the party’s candidate for the 2027 governorship election.

The party’s state General Secretary, Fatai Ojetunde, made this position known in Ibadan while discussing the party’s preparation for the next electoral cycle.

According to him, the Labour Party is focused on good governance and effective leadership rather than regional or political sentiments.

Ojetunde emphasized that any qualified indigene of Oyo State can aspire to lead the state under the Labour Party platform.

He explained that the party’s primary concern is selecting a candidate capable of delivering meaningful development and improving the welfare of residents.

He noted that the prospective candidate could emerge from any part of the state—whether Ibadan, Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun, or other communities—provided the individual has the competence, vision, and capacity to govern effectively.

“Our priority is good governance. As long as the person has the ability to lead and deliver democratic dividends to the people, the Labour Party will support such a candidate regardless of their origin,” Ojetunde said.

The Labour Party also expressed readiness for the 2027 general elections regardless of when they are eventually scheduled.

Reacting to discussions about moving the election timetable to January, the party said it had no objection to the proposed adjustment.

According to Ojetunde, possible considerations such as religious observances in parts of the country may have influenced the conversation about changing the election schedule.

However, he stressed that the Labour Party remains fully prepared for the polls.

As part of its strategy for the 2027 elections, the party has begun extensive grassroots voter education across Oyo State.

The initiative includes ward-to-ward and house-to-house sensitisation campaigns designed to encourage voters to make informed decisions during elections.

Ojetunde said the campaign also warns voters about the dangers of vote-buying, noting that short-term financial incentives during elections often lead to long-term governance consequences.

He added that under the leadership of the state chairman, Sadiq Atayese, the party is prioritising civic awareness and voter enlightenment ahead of the next election cycle.