Indigenes of Oke‑Ogun zone in Oyo State have said that their participation in the ongoing APC Renewed Hope Unity Rally is to amplify their demand for the state governorship seat in 2027.

The Oke-Ogun indigenes, who spoke under the aegis of “Egbe Ajosepo fun Itesiwaju Gbogbo Wa,” a socio-cultural group, urged the APC leadership in the state to consider a governorship candidate from the zone in the spirit of justice, equity and inclusivity.

The News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports that the group spoke in a statement issued in Ibadan on Thursday by Mr Dauda Olaifa and Pastor Favour Adewoyin, the National Chairman and Secretary respectively.

The group commended APC’s renewed vigour and strategic momentum, noting that the party was wasting no time in consolidating its base ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It described the initiative as a sign of the party’s readiness and purposeful movement.

The group, however, clarified that its participation in the APC unity drive had nothing to do with party mobilisation, stating that it remained non‑political.

It maintained that the participation was a deliberate effort to amplify the historic and moral case for Oke‑Ogun to produce a governor in 2027.

“As Oke‑Ogun indigenes, it is time to proclaim our message boldly: 2027 is Oke‑Ogun’s turn to produce a governor in Oyo State.

“We participated in the APC unity drive in Kisi, Saki and Iseyin, and will continue to engage across party lines—APC, PDP, ADC, Accord, Labour and others.

“We are not a political party but a non‑partisan advocacy platform committed solely to the rotation of the governorship to our zone in 2027.

“While fully supporting President Bola Tinubu’s second‑term ambition, Egbe Ajosepo Fun Itesiwaju Gbogbo Wa respectfully calls on the APC leadership, in the spirit of justice, equity, inclusiveness and federal character, to consider a governorship candidate from Oke‑Ogun.

“We have about seven qualified and credible aspirants from the zone, including former deputy governors, a former minister and other eminent personalities who can serve Oyo State diligently.

“Whoever emerges, Oke‑Ogun stands united, ready and committed to delivering its votes. Many states have embraced rotational leadership; Oyo State should not be an exception,” it said.

According to the group, it’s demand is rooted in fairness and constitutional equity, consistent with Sections 14(3) and 14(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which emphasise inclusiveness, diversity and balanced representation at federal, state and local levels.

It also argued that Oke‑Ogun’s quest for the governorship did not negate its senatorial aspirations, adding that history had shown that other regions had legitimately held both positions.