2 hours ago
1
The Labour Party in Oyo State has stated that merit, rather than zoning or regional considerations, will determine who emerges as its governorship candidate in the 2027 election.
The party’s State General Secretary, Mr Fatai Ojetunde, disclosed this on Wednesday in Ibadan while speaking with journalists.
He said the party would not be influenced by sentiments suggesting that its candidate must come from a particular part of the state.
According to Ojetunde, competence and the ability to deliver quality 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 explained that the Labour Party places no geographical restriction on political aspiration, stressing that all indigenes of the state are eligible to seek the governorship on its platform.
“As far as the Labour Party is concerned, anyone from any part of Oyo State can aspire to be governor. Our overriding concern is governance that will positively impact all residents,” Ojetunde added.
Commenting on the proposal to shift the 2027 general elections to January, the party chieftain said the Labour Party had no reservations about the adjustment.
“There is nothing wrong with it. Whether the election is held in January or February, we are fully prepared. We are confident of victory in 2027,” he said.
He, however, noted that factors such as religious activities in some parts of the country may have influenced the proposed change in the election timetable.
Ojetunde also revealed that the party has commenced grassroots engagement as part of its preparation for the next general elections, with a strong emphasis on voter education.
“One of our major strategies is voter education. We are going from ward to ward and house to house to sensitise the electorate. 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,” he said.
He clarified that the party is not yet campaigning but is focused on enlightening voters on the importance of making informed decisions at the polls.
According to him, the state chairman of the party, Mr Sadiq Atayese, has prioritised voter education as a core pillar of the Labour Party’s preparations ahead of the 2027 elections.
2027: Labour Party rules out zoning in selection of Oyo governorship candidate
