2027: Alao Joins Oyo Governorship Race, Unveils ‘Redemption Mission’
•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
AN 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, unveiling a four-point development agenda aimed at repositioning the state.
Alao made the declaration on Tuesday in Ibadan at the Emmanuel Alayande Teachers Resource Centre, Samanda, where he addressed party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters.
He described his ambition as a “solemn commitment” to the transformation and restoration of Oyo State’s past glory.
According to him, his decision followed wide consultations with party elders and extensive engagement with residents across key sectors, including markets, farms, schools, and healthcare facilities.
“Oyo State is due for redemption. We were once the true Pacesetter, the headquarters of democracy and the home of firsts. We must reclaim that position,” he said.
The governorship hopeful unveiled what he termed the “Redemption Mission 2027,” anchored on four critical sectors: agriculture, healthcare, education, and civil service reform.
On agriculture, Alao pledged to transform the sector from subsistence farming into a modern and profitable enterprise through mechanisation, improved access to finance, and value-chain development.
He also promised the establishment of agricultural processing zones across the state’s senatorial districts, alongside the revival of irrigation systems to support year-round farming.
“We will empower farmers with improved seedlings, modern equipment, and access to financing. Our goal is to ensure we eat what we grow and grow what we eat, while positioning Oyo as a food basket for the region,” he added.
In the health sector, he outlined plans for a comprehensive overhaul under a “Health for All” initiative.
This, he said, would include the upgrade of primary healthcare centres, revitalisation of general hospitals, and intensified focus on preventive healthcare to reduce maternal and infant mortality.
Alao also proposed declaring a state of emergency in the education sector, with a focus on rehabilitating school infrastructure, improving teachers’ welfare, and promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, as well as digital literacy.
He added that scholarship schemes and support for vocational education would be prioritised to equip young people with relevant skills and tackle unemployment.
On governance, the APC aspirant pledged to reform the state civil service through merit-based recruitment and promotion, digitisation of government operations, and improved welfare for workers.
“A government is only as effective as its machinery. We will build a responsive, technology-driven civil service that is efficient and accountable to the people,” he said.
Alao further urged party leaders and stakeholders to ensure the emergence of a credible candidate during the APC primaries, cautioning against decisions influenced by sentiment or financial inducement.
He emphasised that the 2027 election would be pivotal to the future of the state and called for unity within the party to secure victory at the polls.
Citing the leadership style of President Bola Tinubu, he stressed the importance of strategic decision-making and cohesion within the party.
“This is not just my ambition; it is a collective mission for the redemption of Oyo State. If we get it right at the primary level, we will get the state back on track,” he said.