Oyo Labour Party prioritises merit over zoning in selecting 2027 governorship candidate, focusing on competence and good governance

The Labour Party in Oyo State has declared that merit, rather than zoning or regional considerations, will determine its governorship candidate for the 2027 election. The announcement was made by the party’s State General Secretary, Mr Fatai Ojetunde, during a press briefing in Ibadan on March 4, 2026.

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Ojetunde emphasised that competence and the ability to deliver effective governance will be the primary criteria in selecting the party’s flagbearer.

“What we are interested in is good governance. It does not matter whether the candidate comes from Ibadan, Ogbomoso or the most remote community in the state. Once the person has the capacity to govern effectively and deliver dividends of democracy, such a person will be considered,” he said.

He stressed that the party imposes no geographical restrictions on political aspirations, asserting that all indigenes of Oyo State are eligible to contest. The State Chairman, Mr Sadiq Atayese, has prioritised voter education as a key strategy ahead of the elections.

Ojetunde also addressed the proposal to move the 2027 general elections to January, saying the party has no objection. “Whether the election is held in January or February, we are fully prepared. We are confident of victory in 2027,” he added, noting that religious activities may have influenced the suggested adjustment in the electoral timetable.

The Labour Party has begun grassroots engagement, visiting wards and households to sensitise the electorate on the importance of making informed voting decisions.

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“We remind voters that any money collected during elections cannot sustain them beyond a few days, but the consequences of their choices will last for four years,” Ojetunde said.

The party clarified that these activities are focused on voter education and not yet on campaigning, aiming to equip citizens to make well-informed decisions at the polls.ucation