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He Will Compete With BAYO ADELABU For Ticket
For quite some time now, many people have been wondering what Senator Teslim Folarin’s game plan is. The big question has always been: Will he contest for Oyo governorship in 2027 or not? He has been quiet about this. Mum has been the word.
But there are those who say he will contest. Some others say he has not made up his mind. But over the last 3 years or so, he has remained very active within Oyo State APC. He is one of the party leaders. And he has contested twice for Oyo governorship.
During the recent coronation of the new Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Senator Folarin was quite visible at the Mapo Hall venue. In the course of the ceremony, he had to go to where the President was seated to greet him. He knelt beside him.
Both of them spoke for a short while before the Senator went back to his seat. It was a nice photo opportunity which dispelled any rumour that Senator Teslim was not in the good books of the President.
But wait for this. City People can authoritatively reveal that Senator Teslim Folarin will be contesting for the APC Guber party ticket in Oyo State next year. He believes he is in a better place this time around than before. And he feel he would win the ticket and the election.
He has been working underground to galvanise support and to re-organise the party.
For those who still can’t get the drift, lets tell you a bit about Senator Teslim Kolawole Folarin, the prominent Oyo State politician with an accomplished career spanning decades.
He is now 62. He was born on October 1, 1963, in Zaria, Kaduna, with roots in Ibadan.
He was educated at Methodist Boys’ High School, Lagos, and University of Ibadan where he studied Political Science.
He holds a Diploma from Harvard University, USA.
He worked in the UK Civil Service before returning to Nigeria in 2002.
He started his career by serving as the Senator representing Oyo Central (2003-2011 and 2019-2023).
He was the Senate Leader, leading debates on executive bills and sponsoring key legislations like the Insurance Act and Armed Forces Pension Act.
He contested Oyo State gubernatorial elections in 2014, and 2023, but lost to Abiola Ajimobi (2014) and Seyi Makinde (2023).
He defected from PDP to APC in 2017.
He was Chairman, Senate Committee on Local Content at the 9th Senate.
His Achievements and Initiatives include how he facilitated infrastructural development in Oyo State (classrooms, ICT centers, boreholes).
He did youth empowerment programs and employment opportunities via Npower and Nigeria Airforce.
He sponsored bills like Federal University (Special) Oyo Town and Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (Amendment) bill.
He advocated upgrading Ibadan Airport to international status.
His traditional titles include Laguna Olubadan and Mogaji (head) of his Baale House lineage.
Sen. Folarin remains a significant figure in Oyo politics, despite these electoral losses.
His base includes traditional and political networks cultivated over decades.
His legislative contributions are as follows:
- Sponsored key bills like the Armed Forces Pension Act and Insurance Act amendments.
- Focused on local content development in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas sector.
- Advocated infrastructure upgrades, including Ibadan Airport expansion.
He has made several gubernatorial bids.
In 2014, he lost PDP primary to Abiola Ajimobi (who won governorship).
In 2023, he contested APC governorship ticket, lost to Seyi Makinde (who won election).
Since he left the Senate he has remained active, politically, influencing Oyo State political dynamics.
He focuses on constituency projects and traditional roles.
His interactions with figures like Seyi Makinde (current Oyo governor) has shaped state politics.
He heads his Baale House lineage, reflecting traditional responsibilities.
His Olubadan Council interactions with Ibadan’s revered monarchs has shaped local political calculus.
APC and PDP dynamics in Oyo involve Folarin’s maneuvering.
Ibadan’s complex traditional and modern power structures interplay with Folarin’s moves.
Folarin’s Ibadan/Ibadan North roots also factor into support base.
Senator Teslim Folarin, a seasoned Nigerian politician, is being tipped as a candidate for the 2027 Oyo State gubernatorial election. Here are some key points about his possible run:
Folarin contested the 2023 Oyo State gubernatorial election under the All Progressives Congress (APC) but lost to incumbent Governor Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He’s served as Senator representing Oyo Central (2003-2011, 2019-2023), holding roles like Senate Leader and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content.
How popular is he?
Senator Teslim Folarin’s popularity appears to be a mixed bag, with varying perceptions among different groups in Oyo State .
Folarin commands respect within Ibadan’s traditional and political elite circles.
He lost the 2023 Oyo State gubernatorial election to Governor Seyi Makinde (PDP).
He has strong ties to Ibadan aristocracy.
Some view 2027 as Folarin’s potential final chance to redefine his political legacy.
Analysts suggest he must reconnect with voters beyond elite circles.
Is he the leader of Oyo State APC?
Teslim Folarin isn’t explicitly described as the leader of Oyo State APC, but he’s a prominent and influential figure within the party in Oyo State .
Folarin remains a respected APC chieftain in Oyo State, evident from his attendance at significant party events. He contested the APC governorship ticket for Oyo State in 2023, though he lost to Seyi Makinde (PDP).
He holds titles like Laguna Olubadan and Aare Alaasa Olubadan of Ibadanland, reflecting traditional clout.
Is he close to President Bola Tinubu?
Teslim Folarin’s relationship with President Bola Tinubu is good and healthy.
But President Tinubu chose Bayo Adelabu (Accord Party) as Oyo State’s minister instead of Folarin (APC), despite Folarin being the APC governorship candidate.
Folarin’s group reportedly didn’t enjoy Tinubu’s decision before and after his election.
Tinubu publicly advised Folarin then to reconcile with Stakeholders ahead of 2023 elections.
Both are potential APC gubernatorial candidates for 2027 in Oyo State, sparking intra-party tensions.
Adelabu faces opposition from Oyo APC chieftains, with some branding him unsuitable for 2027.
Recall that Adelabu defected to Accord Party after losing APC primaries; his ministerial nomination surprised some APC loyalists.
Their interactions seem driven more by political pragmatism than personal rapport.
Intra-APC rivalry in Oyo State could shape their next moves.
Speculation abounds on whether they’ll collaborate or contest each other for the 2027 ticket .
What is Bayo Adelabu’s game plan?
Bayo Adelabu is a prominent politician and financial expert with significant ambitions for Oyo State’s governorship.
Adelabu has already declared he’ll contest Oyo State’s 2027 governorship election, proclaiming “Èmi Lókàn” (It’s my turn), echoing President Bola Tinubu’s famous slogan.
He ran for Oyo governor in 2019 (APC) and 2023 (Accord Party), losing both times to Governor Seyi Makinde (PDP).
Adelabu serves as Minister of Power, appointed by President Tinubu in August 2023.
Former Deputy Governor (Operations), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); with expertise in finance, economic policy.
He is the grandson of revered Nigerian politician Adegoke Adelabu (“Penkelemesi”), influencing his Ibadan political footprint.
Critics question his popularity; some Oyo APC groups criticize Tinubu’s nomination of Adelabu as minister, alleging favoritism.
Adelabu returned to APC after Accord Party stint; intra-party relations in Oyo APC appear complex.
He is seen by supporters as a “resilient technocrat”, but some voters demand grassroot engagement beyond credentials.
He advocates fiscal responsibility, investment attraction for Oyo development.
Emphasizes infrastructure, youth empowerment beyond political maneuvering.
How strong is he as a candidate?
Bayo Adelabu appears to be a formidable candidate for the 2027 Oyo State governorship election, but his path to victory isn’t without challenges.
Adelabu brings significant professional experience as Nigeria’s Minister of Power and former Deputy Governor (Operations) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
His background in finance and economic policy could resonate with voters seeking economic transformation.
Despite losing gubernatorial bids in 2019 and 2023, Adelabu remains determined.
Running on the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket will give him a strong party base in Oyo State.
