Meet Oyo State 2027 Governorship Aspirants (Full List)

By Oluwakemi Johnson

As Governor Seyi Makinde’s second term draws to a close, the battle for the Agodi Government House in 2027 has begun in earnest. With aspirants from the PDP, APC, and other parties throwing their hats into the ring, Oyo State is witnessing a fierce contest among experienced politicians, technocrats, and business leaders. This article profiles the major governorship aspirants, their strengths, and what they bring to the race for the Pacesetter State.

Peoples Democratic Party – PDP Aspirants

• Adebo Ogundoyin

Adebowale Edward Ogundoyin, born February 18 1987, in Eruwa Oyo State, to late industrialist Chief Adeseun Ogundoyin. He studied at Vale College, Ibadan, and earned a Babcock University degree in agronomy. At 31,  he became Nigeria’s youngest lawmaker and at 32, the Oyo Assembly Speaker making him one of the nation’s youngest.

• Taofeek Arapaja

Ambassador Taofeek Oladejo Arapaja was born November 10, 1958, in Oyo State, Nigeria. He schooled at Lagelu Grammar School in Ibadan and went ahead to earn a finance/marketing degree at the University of Wales. He rose through roles like local chairman, House of Representatives member, Oyo Deputy Governor from 2007-2011, ambassador, and PDP Deputy National Chairman. He can be said to be a veteran politician.

• Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo

Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, is a businessman, journalist, and philanthropist. He studied at Epetedo High School and obtained OND and HND in Mass Communication from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos. The former 2023 NNPP Ogun gubernatorial candidate switched to PDP in 2025 and is now pursuing Oyo’s 2027 governorship.

• Nureni Adeniran

Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran is an Oyo State politician, educator, and administrator. He studied at Muslim Grammar School in Odinjo and Oyo State College of Arts and Science, then obtained B.Ed., M.Ed., and Ph.D. degrees in Communication Arts from the University of Ibadan. Career includes lecturing at Lead City University, chairing Ibadan SW Local Government (1999-2002), serving twice as commissioner under Alao-Akala, and leading Oyo SUBEB.

• Saheed Akinade Fijabi

Saheed Akinade Fijabi, was born around 1974 and is the son of Ibadan chief Ismaila Akinade Fijabi. He was APC House Rep for Ibadan before he Switched to PDP for 2027 Oyo gov race. He is a businessman in real estate and hospitality, and also leads foundation for health and empowerment aid.

• Bimbo Adekanmbi

Bimbo Adekanmbi born around 1975 got a BSc Accounting degree from Obafemi Awolowo University, a BSc Applied Accounting from Oxford Brookes University, a MBA in Strategy/Finance from Liverpool John Moores University, and also an FCCA qualification. In APC, he was Deputy Chief of Staff and Finance Commissioner under Ajimobi from 2011- 2019 and resigned 2025 to join PDP for 2027 Oyo governorship race.

• Stanley Odidiomo

Adedeji Stanley Olajide, nicknamed OdidiOmo was born on October 2nd 1964. He represents Ibadan North West/South West in Nigeria’s House of Representatives for the PDP since 2019, and was re-elected 2023. He leads the ICT and Cybersecurity Committee, pushes data-smart local projects, and remains a key PDP player in Oyo State politics.

• Beulah Adeoye

Amofin Beulah Adeoye, a lawyer and former Deloitte Partner from Ipapo Oyo State, is a philanthropist through his foundation that aids women and students. He joined PDP in late 2024, aspiring for Oyo’s 2027 governorship with stakeholder backing.

All Progressives Congress – APC ASPIRANTS

• Adebayo Adelabu

Adebayo Adelabu, Grandson of prominent Ibadan politician Adegoke Adelabu known as “Penkelemesi” was born on September 28, 1970 in Ibadan. He is a top banker-turned-politician. He climbed from PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) where he led the audit team to CBN Deputy Governor from 2014-2018, and has been the Minister of Power since 2023. He also ran for Oyo governor in 2019 but lost and in 2023 under the Accord party and now eyeing 2027 comeback.

• Teslim Folarin

Teslim Folarin was born October 30, 1963, in Ibadan. He served as Oyo Central Senator with PDP from 2003-11, and with APC from 2019-2023. He also served as Senate Leader. He led committees on power and education. In APC’s 2023 Oyo governoship elections, he fell short against Makinde but stays key in local politics and wields strong influence.

• Remi Oseni

Engr. Aderemi Oseni, is a civil engineer and APC representative for Ibarapa East Ido in Oyo’s House of Reps since 2023. He holds a BEng from the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro in 1990 and MSc Structural Engineering from the University of Leeds U.K. He is the founder of Remi Oseni Foundation and Step Development Ltd which focuses on education and welfare aid.

• Akeem Agbaje

Akeem Agbaje, Born April 1, 1968, in Ibadan’s Ayeye Compound to the notable Chief Salami Agbaje family, Akeem Adedeji Agbaje is a graduate of law from Obafemi Awolowo University. He founded Agbaje & Co in 1992, he serves as APC leader, and eyes Oyo’s 2027 governorship seat via rotation push.

• Zacch Adedeji

Zacch Adelabu Adedeji, was born January 8, 1978, in Ogbomosho, Oyo State. He graduated with first class from the Obafemi Awolowo University and later earned MSc/PhD from OAU and Harvard executive training. He leads Nigeria’s FIRS as Executive Chairman since 2023 and was Oyo Finance Commissioner from 2011- 2015.

• Fatai Buhari

Abdulfatai Buhari was born November 12 1965 in Ogbomoso, Oyo State. He has a PhD in Public Policy and is an APC senator for Oyo North since 2015 and was re-elected in 2019/2023. He is also a former House Representative and Oyo Commissioner; he is the chairman of the Senate Aviation Committee.

• Kunle Adelakun

Prince Kunle Adelakun also known as Eruobodo, The heir to Ibadan strongman Busari Adelakun’s legacy, bears the Jagunmolu Agbekoya title and once led Afenifere Renewal Group as General Secretary. This APC leader and tech entrepreneur launched his Renewed Hope and Vision bid for Oyo’s 2027 governorship in March 2026, stressing education, health, farming, and safety.

• Sharafadeen Alli

Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli was born April 20 1963 in Ibadan. He is an APC Senator for Oyo South since 2023, with LLB, Masters and PhD in Legislative Studies. He is an ex-chairman of Ibadan North, Oyo secretary to the state government, Chief of Staff to Ladoja, Odu’a Investment Chair and is now a APC 2027 gov aspirant.

• Muyiwa Gbadegesin

Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin is a neuroscientist with a PhD from Georgetown. He previously served as Oyo Deputy Chief of Staff and Health Commissioner under Gov. Ajimobi, and also as an advisor to Lagos Governors Tinubu and Fashola. He is currently the LAWMA MD and enjoys APC Youth League endorsement as potential consensus pick for Oyo’s 2027 governorship.

OTHER POLITICAL PARTY

• Oriyomi Hamzat

Oriyomi Hamzat, born March 5, 1980 in Ibadan. He is the chairman of Agidigbo 88.7 FM as a journalist and activist. He got a Geology diploma from the federal Polytechnic of Ibadan and a BA from the University of Ibadan. He is known for advocating justice and aiding orphans with his channel. He is aspiring as a representative of Accord Party’s 2027 Oyo gov aspirant.

The 2027 governorship election will shape the future of Oyo State for the next four years. Whether the PDP retains power or the opposition stages a comeback, the aspirants in this race represent the diverse ambitions and visions for the state. Ultimately, the people of Oyo will decide who occupies Agodi. As political activities intensify, one thing is certain: the battle promises to be tough and decisive.