An All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship hopeful, Hakeem Alao, has officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State, rolling out a four-point development agenda focused on agriculture, education, healthcare, and civil service reform.
Alao made his declaration at the Emmanuel Alayande Teachers Resource Centre in Samonda, Ibadan, where he addressed party faithful and supporters, outlining his vision for the state.
The engineer-turned-politician emphasised that his agenda is rooted in addressing hunger and improving residents’ welfare, with agriculture positioned as the central pillar of his policy direction. He noted that despite increased federal allocations since President Bola Tinubu assumed office, agricultural productivity at the state level has yet to see commensurate investment.
He pledged that his administration would prioritise funding for cash crops, food crops, and livestock development, aiming to ensure food security in Oyo State while contributing to regional and national supply.
Describing himself as a lifelong farmer, Alao expressed strong belief in agriculture as a sustainable engine for economic growth, arguing that any nation that invests in farming can adequately feed its population.
On internal party matters, Alao called on President Tinubu to ensure broad consultations with stakeholders in Oyo State ahead of the APC primaries. He advocated for an inclusive selection process—whether through consensus or direct primaries—stressing the importance of engaging party leaders.
Reaffirming his loyalty to the APC, Alao referenced the 2022 governorship primaries, where he lost to Teslim Folarin, noting that he remained steadfast in supporting the party and its candidates.
He dismissed any possibility of defection, maintaining that true progressives remain committed to their political ideology.
Alao also appealed to the people of Oyo State for support, expressing confidence in his ability to drive transformation through improved food security, better healthcare, and an enhanced standard of living.
