Engineer Rauf Aderemi Olaniyan, a seasoned administrator, retired permanent secretary, and former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, today officially declared his intention to contest the Oyo State gubernatorial election in 2027.
His declaration, made before an enthusiastic gathering of All Progressives Congress (APC) members, underscores a commitment to service, equitable development, and the prosperity of all citizens within the state.
Addressing the Oorelope Local Government chapter of the APC at their general meeting held at Baptist High School, Igboho, Olaniyan articulated the core motivations behind his ambition. He highlighted the historical challenges faced by prominent sons of Oke-Ogun in their attempts to govern the state, attributing their past setbacks not to a dearth of capacity or credibility, but often to geographical considerations.
Olaniyan passionately advocated for a re-evaluation of power-sharing dynamics, emphasizing the critical need for balance, equity, and fairness in the distribution of opportunities across all regions of Oyo State.
“My ambition is profoundly driven by an unwavering passion for service, social reengineering, and the comprehensive development and prosperity of every individual in Oyo State,” Olaniyan stated. He further expressed his readiness to deploy his extensive expertise, professionalism, and proven experience in both human and resource management to strategically position Oyo State for unprecedented growth and heightened achievements.
The announcement was met with palpable excitement and a strong show of support from the APC members present.
Their enthusiastic reception culminated in a motion formally launching his gubernatorial ambition, moved by Hon. Samuel Okunlade Ododo and seconded by Alhaji Najeem Olakanla Olope.
Olaniyan’s declaration has ignited a wave of optimism and anticipation among the people of Oorelope, who view this as a pivotal moment for their region to finally produce the state’s chief executive. The news has been widely received with goodwill messages and prayers from various party members and stakeholders, signaling broad grassroots support.
The well-attended meeting saw the presence of several notable APC figures, including Barr. Deji Mohammed, the Oyo State APC legal adviser, alongside former local government chairmen and other key party executives, all affirming the significance of Olaniyan’s entry into the gubernatorial race.
Engineer Olaniyan’s declaration marks a significant development in the political landscape of Oyo State as preparations for the 2027 general election begin to gather momentum. His emphasis on equitable development and leveraging his administrative experience sets a clear tone for his campaign.
