Dr. Gbenga Adegbola — As we begin to understand the early build-up to the 2027 general elections, one may not need a crystal ball to anticipate the events and undercurrents that will shape the political future of Nigeria, particularly in the Pace setter State, Oyo. With the delimitation of the state’s seven (7) geopolitical zones, namely Oke-Ogun 1, Oke-Ogun 2, Oyo, Ogbomoso, Ibarapa, Ibadan 1, and Ibadan 2, there’s no doubt that political permutations will play a pivotal role in deciding who succeeds Governor Seyi Makinde when he concludes his constitutional two terms.
The race to Agodi Government House is already heating up, with growing interests across the political parties. Both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) are witnessing intensified consultations, strategic tours, and backdoor alignments and realignments. While other parties such as the Labour Party and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) may not be leading the pack, they certainly aren’t asleep.
But who will succeed Governor Makinde?
Many names are currently making the rounds. However, only one will ultimately inherit the mantle of leadership from the performing Governor Seyi Makinde, a man who enjoyed undeniable grace and goodwill in his two successive bids to govern Oyo State. The question now is: who is next to ride on that ‘Grace of God’ from amongst the names resonating around?
One of the names that are recently resonating across political circles is that of Dr. Gbenga Adegbola, a retired Colonel, a native of Saki in the Oke-Ogun zone, a renowned business mogul, and an unrelenting philanthropist. His recent entry into the APC has not gone unnoticed. Within a week of joining the party in Oyo State, he made a strategic move to the party’s national headquarters to nationalise and tactically made his intention of gubernatorial ambition ahead of 2027 known.
Oyo 2027: Dr. Gbenga Adegbola Tours Oke-Ogun, Urges Party Unity, Welcomes SDP Defectors in Irepo
A Game-Changer?
Adegbola’s entrance into the race is seen by many as a fresh wave of possibility for the APC. His political philosophy and ideology seem to transcend ethnic and sentimental lines. Instead, he is championing a vision for a more prosperous Oyo State, one rooted in inclusive governance, economic revitalization, and sustainable development, core elements needed to move Oyo from a state of potential to a state of performance.
In one of his recent public engagements, Adegbola expressed his firm belief in accelerated development through strategic investment in critical sectors. Take agriculture, for example, a sector Oyo State should be leading but hasn’t fully explored. With the right vision, skills, and support, there’s no reason Oyo cannot dominate the agricultural value chain in Nigeria.
Health is another sector close to Adegbola’s heart. As he rightly argues, the health of the people forms the bedrock of a productive society. Investment in functional primary health centres, affordable and accessible tertiary health facilities, and welfare for medical professionals must be prioritized for true progress to take root.
Transport, Energy, and Tourism: Unlocking Untapped Potentials
Oyo State’s transport system remains largely underutilized. Connecting towns, cities, and local economies through robust transportation infrastructure is key to unlocking growth. Adegbola believes Oyo can surpass Lagos in this regard, after all, if Lagos, despite its congestion, can achieve so much, what’s stopping Oyo, blessed with land and population, from doing even better?
The establishment of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources under Governor Makinde is a commendable step, and Adegbola has hinted at plans to expand and optimize the sector to its full potential. In the same vein, the state’s abundant tourism assets-rich with history and culture remain underexploited. A well-structured ecotourism drive could become a major revenue source for the state.
So, what are his chances?
Gbenga Adegbola’s growing popularity, wide-reaching influence, and deep-rooted native intelligence give him a strong advantage. But will he overcome the hurdles of securing the APC gubernatorial ticket? That, only time will tell.
However, one thing is clear, he has the knowledge, experience, and technical know-how to take Oyo State beyond where it is today. If the state is ready to move beyond sentiments and embrace competence and vision, then Dr. Gbenga Adegbola might just be one of the men to watch in 2027.
Olabode Adeniyi writes from Oke-Ogun, Oyo State.
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