As Nigeria undergoes critical reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, one reality is becoming increasingly clear: the success or failure of these reforms will largely be determined at the state level. Governors today are not ceremonial figures; they are the engines that drive delivery, execution, and real impact.
 
Oyo State now stands at a defining crossroads. For the All Progressives Congress (APC), the choice is straightforward but consequential. The party can either repeat familiar political patterns that have previously led to setbacks, or it can embrace a more strategic path by presenting a candidate capable of uniting the party and delivering results. From our considered position, that path points clearly to Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK).
 
This election must move beyond the usual metrics of popularity and political noise. Oyo State does not suffer from a shortage of politicians; rather, it has lacked coordinated, idea-driven leadership that can translate vision into measurable progress. To win and govern effectively, APC must present a candidate who can unite party factions before the election, compete strongly against the PDP, and deliver tangible development after victory. While many aspirants may demonstrate strength in one or two of these areas, very few can credibly deliver across all three.
 
It is within this context that Adewale Kareem’s candidacy stands out. His approach reflects strategy over sentiment and substance over spectacle. At a time when APC’s greatest internal threat remains division, his ability to maintain acceptability across different blocs within the party positions him as a natural unifier. Unity, as experience has shown, is essential to winning both primaries and general elections.
 
Beyond internal cohesion, Kareem distinguishes himself through ideas and preparedness. His recently unveiled 20-point agenda is a strong demonstration of commitment to the development of Oyo State. It goes beyond general promises and speaks directly to practical governance. His advocacy for initiatives such as credit scoring systems to unlock access to finance, fully funded and restructured education, and other tangible, forward-looking reforms shows a level of policy depth that is rare in the current field. In terms of ideas and clarity of direction, he stands clearly ahead and largely unmatched.
 
Equally important is alignment with the national direction. Under Bola Ahmed Tinubu, states that align with federal reforms will be better positioned to attract support, implement policies efficiently, and achieve faster development outcomes. Kareem’s outlook demonstrates readiness to operate within this framework, offering Oyo State a governance advantage that cannot be ignored.
 
In addition, his relatively clean political profile presents an opportunity for a reset within the party. Without the weight of entrenched conflicts or longstanding rivalries, he represents a candidate around whom genuine consensus can be built. In a divided political environment, such positioning becomes decisive.
 
However, while consensus remains desirable, it must be fair, credible, and widely accepted. If such consensus cannot be achieved in a manner that reflects justice and balance, then the party must not hesitate to adopt direct primaries. A transparent primary process will allow the right candidate to emerge with legitimacy and broad support.
The focus must be clear: this election cannot be about noise, popularity, or sentiment alone. It must be about capacity, ideas, and the ability to deliver.
 
The political reality facing APC in Oyo State is straightforward. A divided party risks another defeat, while a united and strategically positioned party stands a strong chance of victory. This is no longer speculation; it is political arithmetic.
 
If APC is serious about reclaiming Oyo State, supporting the reform agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and delivering meaningful governance, then it must make the right choice, both in process and in candidate.
 
From our standpoint, Adewale Kareem represents not just another aspirant, but a pathway to unity, innovation, and performance. If consensus can be reached around him, it should be embraced. If not, then a fair and transparent primary must be conducted.
One way or another, the right candidate must emerge this time.
Oyo cannot afford to get it wrong again.
 
Tuesday April 14, 2026.