By Olusesan Laoye
A civil society organisation, the Vanguard Alliance for Democracy and Good Governance of Nigeria (VADGON), has urged political parties in Oyo State to prioritise competence, youthfulness and integrity in the selection of their governorship candidates ahead of the 2027 election.
The group said political leaders and stakeholders across parties seeking to govern the state should ensure that their candidates reflect the aspirations and expectations of the people.
VADGON, a non-partisan organisation comprising veteran journalists, legal practitioners, artisans and youths, stated that Oyo State needs a leader who can connect with the people and provide responsive governance rather than one who sees public office as a privilege.
In a statement signed by its National Chairman, George Felix, the organisation advocated the emergence of a youthful, energetic and technocratic candidate capable of delivering effective governance and tangible democratic dividends.
The group noted that some political parties appear to be moving in that direction and cited the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Mr Bimbo Adekanmbi, as an example of a young technocrat and new-generation politician.
VADGON also called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) to resolve its internal disagreements and present a candidate capable of competing effectively with candidates already nominated by other parties.
According to the organisation, many APC members and stakeholders remain dissatisfied with the conduct of the party’s governorship primary, a situation that has continued to generate controversy within the party.
The group argued that for the APC to remain competitive in the 2027 race, it should consider candidates with strong professional credentials, youthfulness and broad public appeal.
It added that a recent opinion survey conducted across the state indicated that many respondents preferred a younger technocrat rather than what it described as “recycled politicians.”
“Our role as a non-political organisation and public trustee is to serve as a watchdog of democracy. We believe political parties should present candidates who possess the capacity, integrity and vision required to move Oyo State forward,” the statement said.
VADGON stated that during its review of aspirants within the APC, one of the names that emerged prominently was Prince Musbaudeen Asanike, an economist and pro-democracy activist with roots in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) struggle.
The group described Asanike as a relatively less controversial figure with leadership qualities, adding that he possesses the attributes needed to compete effectively in the 2027 election.
It also acknowledged the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Taofeeq Adegoke, describing him as a technocrat with the potential to offer quality leadership.
According to the organisation, the emergence of competent and youthful candidates across political parties would make the 2027 governorship election more competitive and provide voters with a wider range of credible choices.
VADGON stressed that its intervention was not motivated by partisan considerations but by a desire to promote good governance and strengthen democratic competition in the state.
The group further called on the APC to pursue genuine reconciliation among its members and stakeholders, noting that unity within the party would be critical to its performance in the next governorship election.
It expressed hope that all parties would place the interests of Oyo State above narrow political calculations and present candidates capable of addressing the developmental needs of the people.