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“I’m Eminently Qualified to Be Oyo State Governor Come 2027” – Chief Niyi Aborisade
UK-based legal practitioner and Mogaji of Ajagba Compound, Oke Ofa Baba Isale, Ibadan, Chief Niyi Aborisade, has declared that he is eminently qualified to serve as the Governor of Oyo State in 2027. He made this assertion on The Poliscope, a political program on Dominion Television Ibadan, hosted by Samson Balogun. Click to watch The Poliscope
Responding to questions about his political ambition, Chief Aborisade affirmed that his decision to contest in the 2027 governorship election stems from his desire to improve the lives of Oyo State residents. He confirmed that consultations are ongoing across all 33 local government areas in the state and that he has already declared his intention to run. According to him, he is ready, and the leadership of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) is firmly backing him.
Chief Aborisade also revealed that his blueprint for governance is ready, stating clearly that he is not just aspiring to be governor for ambition's sake, but with a clear plan. While acknowledging reports that the incumbent governor may prefer a younger successor, he emphasized that the PDP constitution is unambiguous and must be adhered to. “If the rules are strictly followed, I am confident I will emerge victorious in the primaries. Ultimately, the people will decide,” he said.
On the issue of godfatherism in Nigerian politics, Aborisade remarked that while godfatherism exists everywhere, the more critical question is “Who is the godfather?” In his words, “Why do you want to be a godfather when no one has godfathered you?” He cited the example of the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who handpicked Chief Bayo Adelabu as his successor in the 2019 gubernatorial election, but still lost despite being a sitting governor.
Speaking on political ideology, Chief Aborisade stressed the importance of candidates having well-defined ideologies and manifestos before aspiring for office. He identified himself as a staunch follower of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s political ideology, although he remains a loyal, card-carrying member of the PDP in Oyo State.
In conclusion, Chief Aborisade called for reforms that would allow Nigerians in the diaspora and those in correctional facilities across the country to vote, describing it as a fundamental human right. He urged the current administration to create the framework for diaspora voter registration, a promise he noted was made under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.