By Our Correspondent
National News – Key governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State met in Lagos on Monday to discuss a possible consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
The meeting, hosted by Florence Ajimobi, wife of the late former governor Abiola Ajimobi and Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Austria, brought together several influential party figures seeking unity ahead of the election cycle.
The gathering took place at Ajimobi’s residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, and lasted from about 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
According to sources familiar with the discussion, the meeting focused on how the party could avoid internal divisions that might weaken its chances in the 2027 governorship contest.
Among those who attended were the APC’s 2023 governorship candidate, Teslim Folarin; former deputy governor Aderemi Olaniyan; Senator Abdulfatai Buhari representing Oyo North; and Senator Sharafadeen Alli representing Oyo South.
Others present included Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, former Ibadan Bar Chairman Akeem Agbaje, and federal lawmaker Remi Oseni.
Participants reportedly discussed adopting a consensus candidate to strengthen party unity and improve electoral chances.
According to insiders, the aspirants agreed that they would support any candidate endorsed by President Bola Tinubu, provided the selection process remains transparent and inclusive.
One source at the meeting explained that aspirants also agreed to seek direct clarification from the President regarding his preferred candidate instead of relying on intermediaries.
The source said this approach would help prevent misunderstandings and internal disputes within the party.
The discussion comes shortly after President Tinubu met with the Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, in Lagos.
Political observers believe the meeting may be linked to ongoing consultations ahead of the 2027 elections in Oyo State.
Reports had earlier suggested that party stakeholders were considering Senator Sharafadeen Alli as a consensus governorship candidate because of his perceived popularity and ability to unify the party.
However, the speculation reportedly unsettled some members of the APC in the state.
In the 2023 governorship election, APC candidate Teslim Folarin lost to incumbent governor Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Analysts say the APC is now attempting to prevent the internal rivalries that have previously affected its performance in Oyo State elections.
Florence Ajimobi’s initiative to host the aspirants is widely viewed as a strategic effort to promote dialogue and reconciliation within the party ahead of the crucial 2027 race.
