Ibarapa East State Constituency 2027: After Adebo Ogundoyin, Who is Next? (Part 2) By Aborode Oyeniyi
The political terrain of the Ibarapa East State Constituency once again commands the gaze of Oyo State, as the horizon of the 2027 House of Assembly election draws near with the promise of fierce ambition and deeply rooted grassroots fervor. The tenure of Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, trailblazing Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly and a rare three-term legislator, appears to approach its twilight in this seat, and with it comes a widening field of aspirants eager to inscribe their names upon the constituency’s unfolding history. In this second installment of analysis, attention turns to seven contenders whose profiles reflect a striking diversity of political pedigree, community devotion, and strategic alliances across the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). From youthful philanthropists with influential networks to seasoned former council chairmen and rising legislative figures from both Eruwa and Lanlate, the contest for party tickets promises to rival the general election in intensity. This examination weighs the strengths, vulnerabilities, and prospects of the following;
1. Bayo Oladeni (APC, Eruwa): Many people wondered why he wasn’t on the previous list. He is one of the most anticipated contestants for the 2027 assembly seat. He was the second runner-up in the 2023 election and had also shown interest in 2019. With a broad supporter base, thanks to his philanthropic events, he is young and well-connected, especially with Adelabu. Securing the APC ticket will be his most significant hurdle, rather than winning the general election.
2. Gbenga Obalowo (PDP, Eruwa): As the immediate past Chairman of the local government, he has a strong social nature that has helped him make friends despite a problematic election. If the PDP zones the ticket to Eruwa, he belongs to Zone 1, which is slated to produce the next assembly candidate, provided the leaders follow existing arrangements. The question remains whether the people will forget his historical election and vote for him to win the general election.
3. Babatunde Ogunlade (APC, Eruwa): A young and successful realtor based in Abuja, he contested the assembly primary in 2023 and is likely to do so again. Although his activities are not yet vocal, he will need to do more to prove he can win both the primary and general elections.
4. Segun Kolawole (APC, Eruwa): A former local government chairman and currently a senior legislative aide at the National Assembly, he narrowly missed the APC ticket in 2023. Although he is advanced in age, if he secures the ticket in 2027, he will be a strong candidate to beat, given his popularity and extensive experience in Ibarapa East politics.
5. Azeez Racheal (PDP, Lanlate): Starting as a Ward 7 Councillor, she performed well and got re-elected as Councillor and is currently the Leader of the Legislative Council. She enjoys the goodwill of the people and is actively involved in party activities. With the possibility of zoning the assembly ticket to Lanlate, she will face competition from other strong candidates from the town and will need to do more than just campaign to win the general election.
6. Adebodun Adepoju (PDP, Lanlate): Known popularly as “Debodun,” he has been an active player in Ibarapa East politics. He previously contested the assembly seat and garnered significant votes, even winning Ward 1 in Eruwa. He is friendly and well-liked by all. If he secures the ticket, it’s possible for him to win the general election with ease.
7. Bello Daud (APC, Eruwa): A young and successful pharmacist who has just ventured into politics, he is building connections with the top echelon of the party in Oyo State, especially the youth wing. The question remains whether he will secure the ticket and have the acceptability to emerge victorious in the general election.
As the race for the Ibarapa East State Constituency seat heats up, one thing is clear, the people of Ibarapa East are spoiled for choice. With a diverse range of candidates boasting impressive credentials, experience, and grassroots support, the 2027 election promises to be a thrilling contest. As the candidates intensify their campaigns and the electorate weighs their options, one thing is certain again, only one candidate will emerge victorious. Who will it be? Only time will tell.
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