By Adeyinka Adeniran
An Ibadan-based media owner, Oriyomi Hamzat, has joined the 2027 governorship race in Oyo state.
He made the public declaration of his ambition at the weekend, at an event which held at the mainbowl of Obafemi Awolowo stadium, Ibadan.
The event had in attendance about 8000 of his supporters who came from the 33 local government areas of the state.
The massive crowd were dressed in color yellow, an indication of the party destinatjnation of the popular broadcaster.
Hamzat will be contesting under the platform of Accord Party (AP).
Declaring his intent, Hamzat who is also the Executive Chairman of Agidigbo FM, described his decision as a response to the call of the people.
He said, “I have accepted the call of the people to serve Oyo State. This is not a step I have taken lightly. My vision is to implement programmes that will improve the lives of ordinary citizens, provide opportunities for youth and women, and ensure that governance in Oyo State goes beyond rhetoric to real, measurable impact.
“The people deserve leaders who listen, act, and deliver, and that is the promise I am making today.”
Addressing circulating rumours that he might hand over his support to another aspirant, Hamzat said: “Let me be clear: the ‘Oyo Npe oo’ movement has officially merged with Accord, and I am committed to pursuing this governorship dream myself.
“This is about giving a voice to the voiceless, standing up for the ordinary people, and working tirelessly to bring about a governance system that is accountable, transparent, and responsive. We cannot continue with business as usual. Oyo State deserves better, and together, we will make that change a reality.”
The Accord National Chairman, Barr. Maxwell who was at the event alongside state Chairmen of the party from the Southwest also presented Hamzat with his party membership card, symbolising his formal induction into the party.
He said the party has taken important step towards ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach the people, adding that Hamzat’s decision to join Accord is a tremendous boost for the party.
He said: “Dr Oriyomi Hamzat’s decision to join Accord is a tremendous boost for the party. His dedication to public service and his record of philanthropy make him an ideal candidate for leadership in Oyo State.
“Today, we take an important step towards ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach the people. This is about leadership that listens, leadership that delivers, and leadership that puts the welfare of citizens first.”
In his address, th Governor of Osun State, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, who was represented by his Commissioner for Political Affairs, Hon Biyi Odunlade, expressed full support for Hamzat’s candidacy.
He said, “We recognise Dr Oriyomi Hamzat as a leader who embodies integrity, vision, and a commitment to the people. Osun and Oyo Accord will work together to ensure that our ideals reach every corner of the Southwest.”
“We are fully behind Dr Hamzat, not just as a candidate, but as a symbol of what good governance should represent: fairness, opportunity, and tangible development for all citizens.”
Earlier, Secretary of the “Oyo Npe Oo movement, Dr. Olanrewaju Oladejo, described Hamzat’s entry into the race as a statement of principle.
“Dr Hamzat’s decision is more than politics. It is a moral declaration that governance can still be decent, humane, and people-centred. In joining Accord, he is signalling that leadership should prioritise service over self-interest, compassion over politics, and integrity over expediency,” he said.
Meanwhile, the declaration was marked by a mass defection of political leaders from all 33 local governments and 351 wards across Oyo State to Accord, signalling a surge of support for the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
