A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Engr. Oyedele Hakeem Alao, popularly known as Allow Alao, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election, calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure credible candidate selection within the party.
Alao made the call on Tuesday during his declaration at the Emmanuel Alayande Teachers Resource Centre, Samanda, Ibadan, where he addressed party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters.
He stressed that the APC must prioritise competence, capacity, and compassion in choosing its candidates, warning against decisions driven by sentiment or financial influence.
“Our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, showed us in Lagos that when progressives pick right, the people benefit for decades. Oyo deserves that same fortune,” he said.
The aspirant described himself as a bridge-builder committed to unity within the party, noting that leadership requires integrity and the ability to bring people together.
Alao cautioned party members against making choices that could undermine the party’s chances, stating that the outcome of the primaries would determine the APC’s success in the general election.
“Let us not allow sentiment or cash to override our senses. The opposition is watching. The people are listening. History is recording,” he said.
He maintained that selecting the right candidate would reposition the state, while a wrong choice would have lasting consequences for the party.
Unveiling his “Redemption Mission 2027” agenda, Alao outlined key focus areas including agriculture, healthcare, education, and civil service reform.
He pledged to boost agricultural productivity through mechanised farming, improve access to quality healthcare, strengthen the education sector with emphasis on science and technology, and build a merit-driven civil service supported by digital innovation.
The aspirant said his decision to join the race followed wide consultations with party elders and interactions with residents across communities.
He called for unity among party members, urging stakeholders to support a process that would produce the best candidate.
“Let the best progressive emerge. Let Oyo State win,” Alao added.
The event, attended by party stakeholders and supporters, marked his formal entry into the race for the 2027 governorship election in the state.
