LESS than few hours to the anxiously expected meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirants with the incumbent Governor of Oyo state, Senator Abiola Ajimobi and other leaders of the party billed for Saturday.

During the meeting with aspirants and leaders of the party in Oyo Central Senatorial District, Governor Abiola Ajimobi told members and aspirants to put interest of the party above their personal interests.

Oyo 2019: Ajimobi assures aspirants of level-playing field

This decision has created uneasy calm within the APC guber hopefuls in Oyo state.

Mega Icon Magazine  also confirmed the palpable tension and anxiety within the aspirants as their supporters and chief promoters surreptitiously stormed the Agodi Government Secretariat last night to gather hints . The aspirants also stationed their informants to study the governor’s movement as well as to nose for more information.

It was also rumoured that the governorship candidate may likely come from the Ibadan Zone which has 52% of the voting strength. Further checks revealed that the major political parties in the state are expected to present their candidates for the number seat from the zone.

Oyo 2019: Alli seeks support in Ibarapa, Oke Ogun for guber ambition

Based on this unconfirmed information, it is imperative to predict some aspirants that may likely emerged as the standard bearer of the party in the state governorship election.

No doubt, special attention is on the APC being the ruling party, but with the declaration of multitudinous aspirants eyeing the Agodi Government House assignment on the banner of the party, raised serious concern for the leaders as well as the party executives.

Although at the national level and state like Lagos opted for Direct Primary but in the pace setter state, Consensus may be the answer.

Why Consensus Candidate?

The idea of ‘Consensus Candidate’ is not new in Oyo APC and the progressives lineage. The late ‘Great Lam’, ex- Oyo Governor of blessed memory and the incumbent Governor, Abiola Ajimobi were products of ‘consensus candidate’.

It would be recalled that in 2011 it was through consensus that Governor Abiola Ajimobi emerged and later the aggrieved candidates including Chief Femi Lanleyin, Dr Ismael Adewusi were honoured with elective and political appointments after the emergence of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) as the ruling party in the state.

Same method could also be adopted as the 2019 Governorship election draws nearer considering the high cost of APC governorship Nomination and Expression of Interest forms so as to prevent the aspirants from further expenses.

Narrowing the prospective guber candidates to Ibadan Zone only, which implies that the quest for Oke-Ogun, Ibarapa and Ogbomoso under APC is not realistic based on the present political permutations.

Ibadan Governorship Aspirants

As at the time of filling this report, no fewer than 10 guber aspirants had earlier declared their intentions to occupy the Agodi Government House. However, this report targets at least 6 aspirants, according to our findings.

The six governorship aspirants include the current Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Olalekan Alli, Serving Commissioner for Health, Dr Azeez Popoola Adeduntan, leading partner of the KPMG, Engr Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, immediate Deputy Governor Operations CBN, Chief Abdulwaheed Adebayo Adelabu, Immediate Oyo State Head of Service, Mr Soji Eniade and a brilliant legal luminary, Chief Adeniyi Akintola SAN

APC guber candidate is expected to emerge from these 6 aspirants

Continuity and Progress

Alhaji Ismael Olalekan Alli, the current SSG is one of the loyalists of Governor Abiola Ajimobi who has contributed meaningfully to the success of the Abiola Ajimobi led government.

Alhaji Alli has worked closely with Governor Ajimobi as scribe of the government for 5 years and with his over 25 years work experience in both public and private sector will ensure continuity of the good work of this administration come 2019.

Gba fun Adeduntan 2019

Dr Azeez Popoola Adeduntan, the state Commissioner for Health can eventually be considered because of his brilliant contributions to the development of the health sector in the state and past political experience.

Dr Adeduntan who is an international surgeon has what it takes to govern and facilitate more meaningful developments to the state through his international connections.

TEGBE F’ Oyo 2019

Engr Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe is a policy maker and strategist who has the experience to turn around and transform the state for the better.

Tegbe declaration to succeed Governor Abiola Ajimobi has already gathered momentum in the state especially with his style of campaign, human relations and consultation.

Adelabu 2019, Oyo First Project

Chief Adebayo Adelabu who is the grand son of the late political icon, Alhaji Adegoke Adelabu has contributed constructively, effectively and positively to the state when he was CBN Deputy Governor operations

Adelabu used his good office at CBN to facilitate projects to the The Technical University, Ibadan. Adelabu seems to be more prepared for the herculean task considering the energy, resources invested into this guber project. Age is also an advantage for the young vibrant Adelabu who may also enjoy sympathy votes from the youths.

Eni Tia De 2019

Soji Eniade is the immediate Head of Service of the state and Ibadan born administrator.

Eniade has served the state meritoriously and reached the pinnacle of his career.

The highly cerebral Eniade as Executive Assistant to the Governor, and ex Head of Service understands administration, especially policy formulation. He can be selected as standard bearer in APC.

Why not Akintola?

Chief Adeniyi Akintola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria is among the governorship aspirants that any governor can rely on for successful smooth administration.

Asides from being a legal practitioner, Chief Akintola has deep knowledge when it comes to election tribunal matters and other litigations that may likely arise after the polls

The Ido born legal luminary has once served as member of the Oyo State House of Assembly when he represented Ido state constituency. Akintola. The brilliant lawyer enjoys huge connection and network.

Barring any – last minute changes, the APC guber candidate is expected to emerge from these 6 aspirants analysed earlier, if the candidate would be from Ibadan Zone.