Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North Federal Constituency of Oyo State on Tuesday unanimously adopted a zoning arrangement aimed at strengthening the party’s chances ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The decision was reached at a stakeholders’ meeting held in Igboora, the headquarters of Ibarapa Central Local Government Area of the state.
A communiqué issued after the meeting and jointly read by the Chairman, Francis Babalola, and the Secretary, T.A. Aderenle, stated that over 40 party leaders attended the gathering.
According to the communiqué, the zoning structure allocates the House of Representatives ticket to Ibarapa North Local Government Area, while Ibarapa Central Local Government Area is to produce the party’s candidate for the Oyo State House of Assembly.
The stakeholders described the arrangement as a “non-negotiable” framework, citing widespread grassroots support and the political need to maintain internal cohesion.
They warned that any attempt to alter the agreement could undermine the emerging unity within the constituency.
“The message from the grassroots is consistent and unmistakable. This is the direction the people want, and anything contrary will be seen as going against the collective interest of the constituency,” the communiqué stated.
The stakeholders noted that adherence to the zoning formula has increasingly become a measure of discipline and loyalty within the party, adding that respecting the agreement would demonstrate commitment to unity and electoral success.
They explained that the resolution was also influenced by lessons from the 2023 general elections, during which internal divisions were widely blamed for the party’s poor performance in the constituency and across the state.
“The current consensus is designed to eliminate ambiguity and foster coordinated political engagement,” the communiqué added.
The stakeholders cautioned against external interference, insisting that decisions affecting the constituency must remain the exclusive responsibility of party members within the area.