*LET’S RALLY ROUND TO SECURE THE TICKET* 

 *Favour Adéwọyin* 

October 1, 2025

 _A Call for Justice, Equity, and Balance_ 

Ẹgbẹ́ Àjọṣepọ̀ Fún Ìtẹsiwájú Gbogbo Wa is a socio-political movement passionately devoted to ensuring that by 2027, the governorship of Ọ̀yọ́ State rotates to another deserving region long deprived of its fair share of leadership.

This is not merely a political aspiration — it is a moral quest for justice, equity, and inclusion.

Our conviction is clear and noble: what is good for one region must be good for all. After years of leadership dominance by Ìbàdàn, it is time for fairness to reach another region — beginning with Òkèògùn.

> “Equity is not a favour; it is justice long delayed.”

 *Time to Redress an Age-Long Imbalance* 

To make this vision a reality, a credible aspirant from Òkèògùn must secure the governorship ticket of either of the two dominant parties — APC or PDP.

Alternatively, both parties can, in the spirit of fairness, concede their tickets to Òkèògùn, just as they have historically done for Ìbàdàn.

The time for redress is now. Once both major parties present candidates from Òkèògùn, the electorate will be free to choose the most competent, visionary, and credible among them.

We recognise that no association, including *Ẹgbẹ́ Àjọṣepọ̀ Fún Ìtẹsiwájú Gbogbo Wa,* holds the constitutional authority to compel zoning. Yet, we appeal — not to the law, but to conscience. Let moral wisdom triumph over political sentiment. Let fairness, not favouritism, guide the future.

> “When fairness rules the heart, peace governs the state.”

 *Delegates, Vote Conscience Over Currency* 

As the primaries draw near, our delegates must stand firm. Vote not for the highest bidder, but for the most deserving candidate.

Let your conscience be your compass; let merit outweigh money. The soul of Ọ̀yọ́’s future is worth more than a temporary reward.

 *Financing the Ticket — Our Shared Responsibility* 

It is often said — and rightly so — that aspirants must finance every step of their journey. Politics demands resources, yes, but history reminds us that wealth is not the ultimate weapon of victory.

Vision, credibility, and collective support have often triumphed over money.

Across Ọ̀yọ́ State and beyond, those without riches have emerged victorious through the goodwill and sacrifices of their people. That is the spirit Òkèògùn must now embrace — to rally behind its credible aspirants in cash, in kind, and in collective determination.

Let us not leave our own to struggle alone under the illusion that they must *“go and get the ticket”* unaided. In other regions, candidates are backed by silent yet powerful support networks. As our elders say, _“The insect dancing on the river has drummers beneath the water.”_ 

> “Those who stand behind the brave share in the glory of victory.”

 *The Reality of Modern Politics* 

The truth is simple: securing a governorship ticket today requires substantial funding. While aspirants can shoulder part of this burden, the people must not abandon them. Those with means must act before the primaries to lighten the financial weight on credible contenders.

Money politics may be undesirable, but it is our current reality. We cannot afford to be naïve.

This, however, is not an endorsement of any particular person — it is a call for collective responsibility. Our focus is not on individuals but on a shared dream: that Òkèògùn will finally occupy the leadership seat of Ọ̀yọ́ State.

 *Money is a Tool — Not a Master* 

Let it be clear: money, though powerful, must serve justice, not subvert it. We cannot outspend the “moneybags,” but we can outclass them with unity, conviction, and vision.

Where they give millions, let us give thousands — backed with truth, purpose, and the assurance of a brighter future.

For indeed, _“A dry morsel with peace is better than the fat of rams with rancour.”_ 

Our people must be enlightened to reject crumbs and demand dignity. Let them not sell their votes for short-term gain. The bread offered today may cost them the loaves and stew of tomorrow.

No one should be allowed to *“use bread to scoop their stew”* and then forget the people who gave them power.

 *The Path Forward: Unity, Wisdom, and Sacrifice* 

We must acknowledge a harsh truth: competence and character rarely coexist with excess wealth. Those who possess vision often lack deep pockets, while those with riches often lack restraint. But when we find a candidate blessed with both, we must stand by them resolutely.

Now is the time to unite — not later. The moment a ticket is secured, even adversaries will rally in support. But the battle is won by those who stood firm in the struggle, not those who arrive at the celebration.

As 2027 draws near, every son and daughter of Òkèògùn — and every advocate of justice in Ọ̀yọ́ State — must rise. Let us mobilise, crowd-fund, and pool our strength for this noble cause.

Unity is our greatest weapon. _“Àgbájọ ọwọ́ la fi ń sọ̀yà; àjèjé ọwọ́ kan ò gb’ẹ́rù d’órí.”_ (It takes joined hands to lift a heavy load.) And truly, _“Ká f’ọwọ́ wẹ́wọ́ l’ọwọ́ fi ń mọ́”_ — it is by washing hands together that hands become clean.

There is no shame in supporting our aspirants financially. The shame lies in letting opportunity slip through our fingers while we stand idle.

> “When a people rise in unity, justice bows to their will.”

 *A Final Word* 

Let us, therefore, act with unity, wisdom, and sacrifice. If we do, then by 2027, the cry for equity will no longer be a song of hope but a story of victory — the triumph of justice over bias, of courage over complacency, and of unity over di

vision.

 *Pst. Favour Adéwọyin,* 

Public Affairs Analyst & Community Leader.