Ibadan-based media entrepreneur Oriyomi Hamzat has officially joined the race for the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State.
Hamzat made his declaration over the weekend at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Ibadan, where an estimated 8,000 supporters drawn from the state’s 33 local government areas converged for the event.
The dominance of yellow attire at the venue signified his affiliation with the Accord Party (AP), on whose platform he will be contesting the election.
The Executive Chairman of Agidigbo FM explained that his decision to contest was driven by sustained appeals from the people, noting that his entry reflects a collective demand for fresh leadership.
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.”
Responding to circulating speculations that he might step down in favour of 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 attended the event alongside state chairmen of the party from the Southwest, also presented Hamzat with his party membership card, marking his formal induction into the party.
He said the party had taken a significant step toward ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach the people, adding that Hamzat’s decision to align with Accord represents a major gain 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 remarks, the Governor of Osun State, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, who was represented by his Commissioner for Political Affairs, Hon. Biyi Odunlade, expressed strong 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, the Secretary of the “Oyo Npe Oo” movement, Dr Olanrewaju Oladejo, described Hamzat’s declaration as a principled statement.
“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 accompanied by a mass defection of political leaders from all 33 local government areas and 351 wards across Oyo State to Accord, indicating a growing wave of support for the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
