A major political shift unfolded in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State on Friday as Olóyè Ambassador Ademọla Oyepeju Ara formally declared his intention to contest for the House of Representatives seat representing Oluyole Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections.
The declaration event, tagged “Declaration to Victory,” was held at Muslim Grammar School in Ibadan and witnessed a massive turnout of supporters, grassroots mobilisers, political leaders, and followers.
In what was described as a significant boost for the Accord Party in Oyo State, over 10,000 attendees reportedly renounced their membership of various political parties to align with the Accord platform alongside Oyepeju Ara.
Addressing journalists shortly after the event, Oyepeju Ara said the gathering served a dual purpose: his official defection to the Accord Party and the formal unveiling of his ambition to represent Oluyole Federal Constituency at the National Assembly.
“Today is my declaration. The event is for two purposes. One, to officially join Accord and also to move all my members into the party. Secondly, it is to declare my intent to represent the good people of Oluyole Federal Constituency in Abuja come 2027,” he stated.
The aspirant used the opportunity to raise concerns over what he described as growing threats to Nigeria’s democratic system, particularly the notion of a one-party state.
“It is not advisable. We are practicing democracy in Nigeria, and for anyone, whether a president or any authority, to suggest a one-party system is not a good thing. It is like a gunshot to democracy,” he said.
Outlining his legislative agenda, Oyepeju Ara promised inclusive representation and people-oriented policies aimed at addressing key developmental challenges within the constituency.
According to him, constituents should expect “more than they can imagine,” stressing that his focus would be on delivering tangible dividends of democracy across critical sectors.
“My priority is to represent my people well, to propose laws that will benefit not just Oluyole but Nigeria at large. I will bring development in education, skills acquisition, electricity, healthcare, and security,” he said.
Highlighting healthcare as a pressing concern, the aspirant revealed plans to establish a specialised anti-stroke hospital in the constituency, citing the increasing prevalence of stroke among residents aged 45 and above.
“A major issue we face in Oluyole is stroke among our elderly population. I plan to establish an anti-stroke hospital to ensure modern treatment for affected individuals,” he explained.
On education, Oyepeju Ara lamented the absence of a federal or state-owned tertiary institution in the area, pledging to facilitate the establishment of both a university and a polytechnic to expand access to higher education for youths in the constituency.
“There is no government university or polytechnic in Oluyole. I will work to bring these institutions to our people, creating opportunities for our youth,” he added.
