AGBAJE: Why I Stand Out Among Oyo APC Governorship Aspirants
A 2027 governorship aspirant on the platform of the All
Progressives Congress in Oyo State, Barrister Akeem Agbaje, has declared that his ideological grounding as a “thorough and absolute progressive” sets him apart from other contenders within the party.
Agbaje made this assertion on Monday while featuring on the political programme Òkodoro Òsèlú on Dominion Television in Ibadan, where he spoke extensively on his political philosophy, leadership style, and vision for Oyo State.
According to him, his long-standing commitment to progressive ideals rooted in discipline, inclusiveness, and people-oriented governance has shaped his conduct within the APC and his approach to politics in general.
He maintained that understanding the “core norms and ethos” of the progressive movement has served as a guiding template for his actions and decisions over the years.
“I am not just a member of the party; I embody the principles of progressivism. That is why my approach may appear different. A true progressive does not need to be unnecessarily aggressive or desperate in the pursuit of leadership,” he said.
The legal practitioner-turned-politician explained that while some aspirants may adopt combative tactics in their quest for the party’s ticket, his strategy remains anchored on consultation, grassroots engagement, and respect for party structures. He stressed that leadership should emerge through credibility, consistency, and service rather than confrontation.
Tracing his political journey, Agbaje disclosed that he began active participation in politics as far back as 1992, noting that his experience over the decades has equipped him with a deep understanding of governance and party dynamics.
He added that his previous governorship bids in 2017 and 2018 further strengthened his resolve and broadened his perspective on the needs of the people.
Speaking on his ambition for 2027, Agbaje expressed confidence in his capacity to “rewrite the history of Oyo State in a positive direction,” promising policies that would prioritize economic growth, infrastructural development, youth empowerment, and institutional reforms.
On the issue of alleged endorsement of a particular aspirant by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Agbaje dismissed the claims as “baseless, misleading, and a joke taken too far.” He emphasized that the President, as a national leader and father figure within the party, remains committed to fairness and internal democracy.
“The President belongs to everyone in the party. He cannot and will not act in a biased manner. Such rumours are distractions and should be disregarded,” he stated.
Agbaje also cautioned political actors against dragging traditional rulers into partisan politics, warning that such actions could erode the sanctity of traditional institutions.
“Our kings and traditional rulers are symbols of unity and heritage. Their thrones are sacred and must not be politicised. We must all respect that boundary,” he added.
Reiterating his commitment to a peaceful and issue-based campaign, the aspirant called on party members and supporters to uphold the values of unity, discipline, and mutual respect as the race toward 2027 gradually gathers momentum.
He concluded by assuring the people of Oyo State that his aspiration is driven by a genuine desire to serve and deliver purposeful governance, urging stakeholders within the APC to prioritise competence and integrity in choosing the party’s eventual candidate.