The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has declared its intent to reclaim power from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2027 gubernatorial elections. The party’s acting chairman, Alhaji Olayide Abas, made this bold statement on Wednesday in Ibadan, the state capital, as he addressed party leaders from the six local government councils of the Ibadan Outer City Zone.

Abas’s declaration comes after the PDP, led by Governor Seyi Makinde, secured two consecutive victories in the state’s gubernatorial elections. In 2019, Makinde triumphed over APC’s Adebayo Adelabu and other candidates, while in 2023, he successfully defeated APC’s Teslim Folarin, among others, to win re-election for a second term.

However, despite these defeats, Abas is resolute in his belief that the APC is poised to reclaim the Agodi Government House by 2027. During his address, he emphasized that the party is prepared for the challenges ahead and is committed to regaining power in the state. Abas assured his audience that the APC would not rest until it unseats the PDP and reclaims the governorship seat.

“We are ready for the challenges ahead,” Abas affirmed. “I have met with virtually all the stakeholders across the state, and I can categorically state that enduring peace and harmony have returned to our party. Almost everyone who left the party in the run-up to the last general election has returned, and we have been receiving requests from members of other political parties, including the ruling PDP, to join the APC.”

Abas further highlighted the party’s growing momentum, citing the recent defection of hundreds of former PDP chieftains to the APC in Ibadan North. He expressed confidence that this trend would continue, reinforcing the APC’s position as the party to beat in Oyo State.

“We were in Ibadan North last week to welcome hundreds of former PDP chieftains into our party, and strong indications show that this influx will persist. We are working tirelessly to solidify the fact that the APC is the dominant force in Oyo State, and come 2027, we shall reclaim the Agodi Government House,” he added.

With this strong declaration, Abas’s leadership in the Oyo APC signals a renewed determination to challenge the PDP’s grip on power in the state, setting the stage for a highly competitive gubernatorial race in 2027.