The Group 5 (G5) coalition within the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is set to expand further, with three additional governorship aspirants preparing to formally align with the bloc ahead of the party’s 2027 governorship contest.
The development emerged from a strategic meeting of the group’s Think-Tank (GT) held in Ibadan on Tuesday, where members reviewed the state of the party and charted a path towards strengthening internal cohesion and electoral competitiveness.
Sources at the meeting disclosed that the decision by the incoming aspirants followed weeks of consultations and growing confidence in the coalition’s vision for the future of the APC in Oyo State.
The G5 currently consists of former Deputy Governor Engr. Aderemi Olaniyan, Dr. Usman Bakare, Barr. Akeem Agbaje, Prince Musbau Asatola Asanike, and Engr. Hakeem Alao.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the coalition reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of justice, fairness, inclusivity, and consensus, describing them as the foundation for rebuilding the party and positioning it for victory in the next governorship election.
According to one of the aspirants who attended the meeting as an observer, the attraction to the group stems from its commitment to restoring the progressive ideals of the APC.
The coalition also maintained that the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would be crucial in resolving lingering contestations within the party and ensuring the emergence of a widely acceptable governorship candidate.
Members argued that as the national leader of the APC, President Tinubu possesses the influence and moral authority needed to guide the party toward a consensus that reflects its core values and electoral aspirations.
The group was particularly critical of what it described as “politics without substance,” insisting that Oyo State deserves leadership driven by competence, vision, and the capacity to unite diverse interests rather than populist rhetoric.
The coalition stressed that it would not support any aspirant with a history of rebellion, poor performance in public office, or conduct capable of undermining party unity.
According to the communiqué, presenting such a candidate could weaken the APC’s chances and diminish the sacrifices made by loyal party members across the state.
Speaking after the meeting, members of the coalition said their mission is to safeguard the future of progressive politics in Oyo State and ensure that the APC fields a candidate capable of defeating rival parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Accord Party, and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
They maintained that competence, unity, acceptability, and a demonstrated capacity for leadership remain the key criteria for selecting the party’s eventual standard-bearer.
With three more aspirants expected to formally join the coalition in the coming days, the G5 resolved to intensify consultations with party leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots supporters across the 33 local government areas of the state.
The group said it would continue to advocate a consensus-driven process that guarantees fairness to all tendencies within the APC while strengthening the party’s chances of reclaiming power in Oyo State in 2027.
