In a bold declaration of political intent, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has officially launched its strategic mobilisation drive tagged “Operation Recapture Oyo”, aimed at reclaiming control of the state from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2027 general elections.
The campaign was unveiled during a high-level meeting of APC stakeholders drawn from the ten local government areas that make up the Oke-Ogun zone. The gathering held in Igboho, headquarters of Orelope Local Government Area, saw a robust turnout of party faithful, political leaders, and grassroots organisers.
Presiding over the meeting was party chieftain and former Deputy Governor of the state, Chief Iyiola Oladokun, who expressed deep dissatisfaction with the current state of governance in Oyo under the PDP. According to him, the state has lost its revered “Pace Setter” identity due to rising insecurity, poor sanitation, blocked drainage systems, and the disturbing resurgence of kidnapping cases, particularly in the Oke-Ogun axis.
Chief Oladokun, speaking on behalf of the party hierarchy, directed APC members across the state to begin aggressive grassroots mobilisation ahead of 2027. He urged residents, especially youths and first-time voters, to ensure they register and collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), which he described as “the key to restoring progressive leadership in Oyo State.”
Reflecting on the party’s previous electoral loss, he stated, “We have thoroughly examined our past mistakes and have learnt valuable lessons. The time has come to install a progressive, development-focused government in Oyo once again. 2027 is our opportunity to reset the trajectory.”
The meeting also featured renewed calls for power rotation, with stakeholders from the Oke-Ogun region advocating for equitable consideration in the party’s choice of governorship and senatorial candidates. They argued that the region, despite its contributions to the party’s electoral fortunes, has remained marginalised in the power equation.
Adding momentum to the movement, the Oyo APC Peace Advocate Group—led by prominent figures including former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Barr. Akin Onigbinde—made a solidarity appearance at the gathering. The group, which includes former legislators, commissioners, and senior political actors, encouraged aspirants and supporters to adopt peaceful strategies in their campaigns and engagements.
Among notable personalities present were former Minister of Communications, Barr. Adebayo Shittu; former Deputy Governors, Chief Adeyemo Alake and Engr. Rauf Olaniyan; as well as serving and former members of the National and State Assemblies, APC executive members, women leaders, and youth coordinators.
The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, with leaders pledging total support for his re-election bid come 2027. They reaffirmed the party’s commitment to delivering a united, responsive, and people-oriented leadership in Oyo, rooted in APC’s progressive ideals.
