• Oyo APC ignores him at its own peril

Politics is often defined not by noise, but by influence. In Oyo State today, few politicians embody this reality more than Senator Teslim Kolawole Folarin. For those who have followed Oyo politics over the last two decades, Folarin’s place in the political landscape is beyond debate. He is not merely a politician; he is a political institution whose influence has endured across administrations, political realignments, and electoral cycles.

His political pedigree speaks for itself. From his days in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he rose to become Senate Leader, to his eventual migration to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Folarin has consistently remained a major force in the politics of Oyo State. He has contested elections, won elections, lost elections, and yet remained relevant. That, perhaps, is the true test of political strength.

Many politicians command attention when they occupy public office. Few retain political relevance after electoral setbacks. Senator Folarin belongs to the latter category. His influence transcends positions because it is rooted in an extensive political structure built over years of loyalty, strategic alliances, and grassroots engagement.

Within the APC, there is hardly any leader who commands the breadth of followership that Folarin does. His supporters are not restricted to a particular senatorial district or local government area. They are spread across the state, forming a formidable political network that has survived the changing tides of Oyo politics. This is why his recent silence has generated intense curiosity.

Ordinarily, as the race toward 2027 gathers momentum, many expected Folarin to once again throw his hat into the governorship ring. Given his stature and his performance as the APC governorship candidate in 2023, such expectations were understandable. Yet, contrary to widespread speculation, he neither obtained nomination and expression of interest forms nor actively participated in the governorship contest.

More intriguing is the fact that he has maintained a studied silence, refusing to publicly indicate where his political sympathies lie. In a season when many politicians are eager to declare allegiances, Senator Folarin has chosen restraint.
That silence is not political weakness; it is political calculation.

In politics, there are moments when saying little communicates more than making countless public statements. Folarin understands this principle. His refusal to reveal his hand has left both supporters and opponents guessing. It has created a vacuum filled by assumptions, speculations, and strategic interpretations.

Yet one fact remains undeniable: Oyo APC ignores Teslim Folarin at its own peril.
The reason is simple. Elections are ultimately about numbers, structures, and influence. Folarin possesses all three. Whether one agrees with his political choices or not, his capacity to mobilise support remains significant. His endorsement carries weight. His neutrality carries consequences. His opposition can alter political calculations.

As the APC prepares for the crucial 2027 governorship election, the party’s greatest challenge may not be selecting a candidate. It may be managing the competing interests of its leaders while preserving unity. In that equation, Senator Folarin occupies a strategic position.

Indeed, it may not be an exaggeration to suggest that he currently holds one of the most valuable political cards within the APC. His eventual decision, whether to actively support a candidate, remain neutral, or deploy his structure in a particular direction, could significantly influence the outcome of the party’s electoral fortunes.

History teaches that political parties often underestimate the importance of influential stakeholders at great cost. Successful parties understand that victory is built not only on popular candidates but also on the ability to harness the strengths of established leaders.
Teslim Folarin remains one of such leaders.
Today, while others dominate headlines and campaign platforms, he watches from a distance. But beneath that silence lies a political force whose relevance has not diminished. If anything, the uncertainty surrounding his next move has only amplified his importance.

As Oyo’s political drama gradually unfolds toward 2027, one reality is becoming increasingly clear: Senator Teslim Kolawole Folarin may not be on the ballot, but he could ultimately determine where the pendulum swings. That is the power of a true party man, not merely in words, but indeed in deed.