Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North Federal Constituency of Oyo State have adopted a zoning arrangement to strengthen the party’s chances ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The resolution was reached during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Igboora, the headquarters of Ibarapa Central Local Government Area.
A communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and jointly presented by the constituency chairman, Francis Babalola, and secretary, T.A. Aderenle, indicated that more than 40 party leaders participated in the deliberations.
According to the communiqué, the zoning formula allocates the House of Representatives ticket to Ibarapa North Local Government Area, while Ibarapa Central Local Government Area will produce the party’s candidate for the Oyo State House of Assembly.
The stakeholders described the agreement as binding, stressing that it reflects the will of party members at the grassroots.
“The message from the grassroots is clear and unmistakable. This is the direction the people want, and any deviation will be seen as going against the collective interest of the constituency,” the communiqué stated.
They warned that altering the arrangement could disrupt the growing unity within the party, noting that internal cohesion remains critical to electoral success.
The leaders added that respect for the zoning formula would serve as a test of discipline and loyalty among party members.
They also explained that the decision was informed by lessons from the 2023 general elections, where internal disagreements were widely blamed for the party’s poor outing in the constituency and across the state.
“This consensus is aimed at removing uncertainty and promoting coordinated political engagement as we prepare for future elections,” the statement added.
The stakeholders further cautioned against interference from external actors, insisting that decisions affecting the constituency should be handled internally.
“Any attempt to override this agreement from outside the constituency may trigger resistance and weaken our support base,” they warned.
They expressed optimism that the zoning arrangement has already begun to rebuild confidence among party members, adding that sustaining the framework would be key to positioning the APC for a stronger performance in 2027.
