Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have resolved to adopt a zoning arrangement ahead of the party’s State Congress scheduled for Tuesday.
The decision was reached at a stakeholders’ meeting held on Saturday at the APC State Secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, where an ad-hoc zoning committee was constituted to allocate State Executive Committee positions among the 33 local government areas in the state.
The committee is chaired by Fatai Ibikunle, with Afeez Bolaji Repete serving as secretary. Other members include Idris Adeoye, Adesoji Adedeji, Ajiboye Sangogade and Akeem Olatunji.
In a statement issued by the state Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the party commended members for their commitment to peace and internal cohesion, describing the prevailing atmosphere as crucial to strengthening the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Sadare explained that the consensus model successfully adopted during the Ward and Local Government Congresses would be retained for the State Congress, in line with directives from the party’s national leadership.
According to him, the Ibikunle-led committee has already commenced work and is expected to communicate the zoning formula to each local government chapter within hours.
Upon receiving their designated positions, stakeholders in the respective local government areas are to convene and forward the names of their nominees for mandatory screening by a special team from Abuja.
He expressed confidence that the nomination and screening processes would be concluded within the stipulated timeframe, noting that the unveiling and inauguration of the new State Executive Committee will take place on Tuesday at the main bowl of the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Ibadan.
The party leadership urged members across the state to sustain the spirit of unity and cooperation to ensure a smooth and successful congress.
Observers say the zoning arrangement is aimed at balancing interests across the 33 local government areas and preventing internal disputes, as the party consolidates its structure ahead of the next electoral cycle.
