Only Tinubu Can Resolve Oyo APC Governorship Contest, G5 Aspirants Declare

By Olusesan Laoye

Five governorship aspirants on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have declared that only the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu can resolve the growing contestation among aspirants ahead of the party’s 2027 governorship race.

The position was reached at a meeting of the aspirants in Ibadan, after which they briefed journalists on the outcome of their deliberations.

The group also revealed that three additional governorship aspirants are set to join the G5 coalition following what sources described as weeks of consultations and a shared commitment to the group’s ideals.

According to sources at the meeting, the decision by the prospective members to align with the coalition was driven by their belief in the G5’s vision for the future of the APC in Oyo State.

The G5 currently comprises Engr. Aderemi Olaniyan, Dr. Usman Bakare, Barr. Akeem Agbaje, Prince Musbau Asanike and Engr. Hakeem Alao.

In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the coalition reaffirmed its commitment to justice, fairness, inclusivity and consensus-building within the party.

“The G5 stands for justice, fairness, inclusivity and consensus,” the communiqué stated.

One of the incoming aspirants, who attended the meeting as an observer, was quoted as saying: “We are drawn to the G5 because it is committed to rebuilding our party on principles that reflect the true progressive spirit of the Oyo APC.”

Members of the coalition maintained that President Tinubu’s intervention would be crucial in resolving the issues surrounding the emergence of the party’s governorship candidate.

“We believe the President’s voice will be decisive in this matter,” one member said.

Another chieftain added: “As the national leader of our party, he will ensure that the eventual candidate embodies the values the APC preaches nationally.”

The coalition also rejected what it described as “politics without substance,” insisting that the party must field a credible and competent candidate.

“It is our strong conviction that President Tinubu would not support a reckless character, a non-performer or a divisive figure driven by populist politics without a clear commitment to public service,” the communiqué stated.

A participant at the meeting noted that Oyo State deserved leadership defined by competence, vision and the capacity to unite people rather than by empty rhetoric.

The aspirants further stressed that they would not support any candidate with a history of rebellion or poor performance in public office.

“Our governor can be anybody, but not someone with a track record of rebellion or non-performance, whether in political appointments or elective positions,” the communiqué said.

A member warned that imposing such a candidate could weaken the party and undermine the sacrifices of loyal APC members in the state.

Speaking after the meeting, another member said the coalition was determined to protect the future of progressive politics in Oyo State.

According to him, the group’s objective is to ensure the emergence of a candidate capable of defeating rival parties, including the PDP, Accord Party, APM and ADC, in the 2027 general election.

“Unity, competence and statewide acceptability are non-negotiable for us. Anything less amounts to defeat before the election,” he said.

With three more aspirants expected to formally join the coalition, the G5 resolved to intensify consultations with party leaders and stakeholders across the state’s 33 local government areas.

The group reiterated its commitment to pursuing a consensus process that guarantees fairness to all interests within the party while positioning the APC to reclaim power in Oyo State in 2027.