President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is reportedly considering appointing former Oyo State gubernatorial candidate, Senator Teslim Folarin, as Chairman of the South West Development Commission (SWDC).
This move is believed to be part of a grand political strategy targeted at strengthening the chances of Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, in the 2027 Oyo State governorship election against the choice of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) under the leadership of governor Seyi Makinde.
An impeccable source familiar with the development disclosed to WesternMirror on Sunday that plans for Folarin’s appointment have already been finalized.
However, the source noted that the only factor that could derail the plan is a potential rejection by Folarin himself.
The source who claimed knowledge of a private meeting that recently held between Folarin and a first time member of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Remi Oseni in London said, Folarin may likely turn down the offer.
According to the source, the former senator understands the political motive behind the appointment and may choose to decline the offer for political reasons that may compel him to work for Adelabu otherwise called ‘Penkelemes’.
The proposed appointment is said to be packaged as a form of compensation for Folarin, who lost the 2023 governorship election against Makinde under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) due to division within the party leading to gale of defections of members into other political parties including the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), but has remained an influential figure in Oyo APC.
The South West Development Commission, which is yet to be formally inaugurated, is expected to play a critical role in driving infrastructure and economic development across the South West geopolitical zone.
As such, the chairmanship position is considered both strategic and politically influential, particularly in the run-up to the 2027 election cycle, the source added.
The source disclosed further that Tinubu’s political camp revealed that the President is intent on rallying APC stakeholders in Oyo behind a consensus candidate, which is Adelabu, who is currently serving as Minister of Power.
Recall that prior to the 2023 governorship election, Adelabu, who was a former member of the APC had defected to the Accord Party alongside his supporters and followers to contest against governor Seyi Makinde of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who was seeking a reelection for another term of office.
Adelabu however, returned to the APC after his appointment as a minister by the President.
The source said, “Folarin still commands an influential base in Oyo APC. The idea is to bring him on board early by offering him a powerful position, which would naturally help align interests ahead of 2027.”
The potential realignment is already stirring tensions within the party, as some grassroots loyalists express concerns over perceived marginalization and the optics of such a move.
While both Folarin and Adelabu have yet to publicly comment on the alleged arrangement, political watchers in the state note that behind-the-scenes negotiations are intensifying, with key Tinubu allies in Abuja playing a central role.
If confirmed, Folarin’s appointment as SWDC Chairman could mark the beginning of a major shift in the political landscape of the state, and potentially set the stage for a high-stakes battle in Oyo’s 2027 gubernatorial race.