A political advocacy group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, the Oyo APC Youth League, has warned the national leadership of the party to exercise caution in selecting governorship candidates for the 2027 general elections, saying poor choices could threaten the party’s dominance in the South-West and potentially undermine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election prospects in the region.

The group specifically cautioned against the emergence of certain politicians who previously failed in their attempts to secure governorship tickets in their respective states but are reportedly preparing to contest again in 2027.

In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja and signed by its spokesman, Taorid Olawale, the Youth League urged the party leadership to prioritise integrity, credibility, competence, and grassroots acceptance in the selection of candidates for key South-West states, particularly Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos.

According to the group, voters in the region place significant emphasis on the personal character and public reputation of political aspirants.

“In Yorubaland, the personal history and public conduct of political actors remain critical factors in determining electoral support,” the statement noted.

It added that voters expect candidates whose records reflect honesty, public service, and a genuine connection with the grassroots.

The group warned that presenting aspirants with questionable records or widespread public distrust could damage the party’s credibility and significantly weaken its electoral chances in the South-West, especially in Oyo State.

It further cautioned that such decisions could have wider political implications, including undermining President Tinubu’s expected bid for re-election in 2027.

Highlighting the political importance of Ibadan in Oyo State, the Youth League called attention to the counsel of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, describing him as a respected technocrat, former senator, and former governor whose voice continues to carry significant weight among the people.

The group said the monarch’s experience in governance and his deep-rooted connection with the grassroots make his perspective valuable in guiding both the President and the APC in identifying credible candidates, particularly in Oyo State.

The Youth League also warned that some aspirants seeking political office carry what it described as “heavy baggage of public distrust,” noting that their past actions remain widely known and could be exploited by political opponents during election campaigns.

“In politics, sins are not forgiven; they are merely kept until the right moment for reckoning,” the statement said.