The Labour Party in Oyo State has publicly declared that competence, rather than regional zoning, will govern their choice of candidate for the upcoming 2027 gubernatorial election. Mr. Fatai Ojetunde, the party’s General Secretary, stated that the party is focused on identifying a candidate with the necessary skills and capacity to promote good governance, irrespective of their place of origin within the state. He reiterated that the party will prioritize effective leadership over geographical considerations, thereby allowing any qualified native of Oyo State to aspire for the party's nomination.

Ojetunde’s comments reflect a growing trend within political discourse in Nigeria, where the issue of zoning has often divided parties along ethnic and regional lines. By emphasizing a merit-based approach, the Labour Party aims to attract a wider electorate who may be dissatisfied with traditional zoning practices that do not always correlate with governance quality. It signals a shift towards evaluating candidates based on their policies and potential to deliver impactful governance rather than their regional affiliations.

This stance may also have implications for the party's electoral strategy as the 2027 elections approach. By opening up the candidacy to individuals from all regions of Oyo, the Labour Party seeks to unify the electorate and promote a broader, more inclusive political culture. In doing so, they aim to strengthen their appeal among voters who prioritize effective governance over sentiments tied to regionalism, setting the stage for a competitive and potentially transformative election cycle.