Oyo State is no stranger to political storms, but January 2026 brought one unlike any the state has witnessed in recent years. Oriyomi Hamzat, a voice that had long echoed from radio airwaves into the homes and streets of Ibadan and beyond, stepped off the microphone and onto the political stage.
His announcement that he would contest the 2027 governorship under the Accord Party banner sent ripples across the established political order. The incumbent, Seyi Makinde, and the dominant APC machinery now face a challenge that defies conventional calculations, drawing attention not only to voter loyalty but also to the power of media influence in shaping political narratives. The stakes are not merely electoral, they are symbolic, a confrontation between entrenched party power and grassroots resonance.
For weeks before the announcement, whispers had circulated about potential outsider entries into the Oyo race, but Hamzat’s move crystallized speculation into certainty. The scene at Liberty Stadium in Ibadan, where supporters gathered in a sea of green and white banners, was more than a rally, it was a declaration of presence, a statement that politics in Oyo may no longer be confined to party elites and political dynasties.
Oriyomi Hamzat: From Agidigbo FM to Accord Party Candidate
Oriyomi Hamzat is more than a broadcaster. His years at Agidigbo FM positioned him not just as a voice on the airwaves but as a bridge between leaders and communities. Residents know his name not for a political title but for the consistency of his engagement with their concerns, from local infrastructure to youth employment. This foundation, built on dialogue rather than declaration, creates a form of political capital that rivals traditional networks. When he speaks, the city listens, and when he announces a candidacy, the reverberations are felt statewide.
The transition from media personality to political contender is rarely seamless, yet Hamzat’s path appears deliberate. By choosing the Accord Party, he aligns with a platform that positions itself as an alternative to the entrenched PDP and APC dominance in Oyo politics. The choice is strategic, allowing him to distance himself from the political baggage associated with major parties while maintaining credibility. The Accord Party is smaller, yet nimble, capable of projecting his influence without the encumbrances of hierarchical bureaucracy. It is in this space that Hamzat hopes to amplify his appeal, framing himself as the candidate of the people rather than of the system.
His decision to join the race in January 2026, officially announced at a rally in Ibadan, was marked by symbolism. The venue, Liberty Stadium, carries historical resonance for public gatherings and political statements. Supporters flocked not only from urban centers but also from surrounding towns, signaling that his appeal is not confined to elite circles. The energy at the rally was tangible, reflecting a constituency ready to see politics through a different lens. Hamzat’s message was clear: the campaign is not about partisanship alone; it is about responsive governance and opportunities for ordinary citizens, particularly youth and women.
The Incumbent’s Dilemma: Seyi Makinde and the PDP Base
Seyi Makinde’s tenure as governor has been defined by infrastructure projects, investment initiatives, and public-facing governance. His incumbency offers advantages in resources, visibility, and party loyalty. Yet Hamzat’s entry disrupts the assumption that voter behavior in Oyo is predictable. Where Makinde relied on PDP loyalty and incumbency, Hamzat introduces a variable rooted in personal connection and media influence. Voters are now asked to weigh experience against resonance, familiarity against engagement. Makinde faces the challenge of defending achievements while countering a candidate whose appeal is less measurable in statistics and more in perception.
The radio waves, long a space of dialogue and information dissemination, now function as a political conduit. Citizens who have grown accustomed to Hamzat’s voice and perceived authenticity may approach electoral decisions with new criteria. The incumbent cannot rely solely on party structure or historical voting patterns; strategy must now incorporate narrative engagement, public sentiment, and an understanding of a media-savvy electorate.
Hamzat’s focus on youth and women amplifies the challenge. Makinde’s administration, while praised in some quarters, is vulnerable to critiques about inclusivity and responsiveness. The challenger’s emphasis on opportunities for these demographics positions him as a candidate attuned to emerging priorities. The PDP base is thus faced with evaluating loyalty against innovation, incumbency against perceived empathy. This is not a conventional electoral contest; it is a negotiation between expectations and lived realities.
The APC Challenge: Structure, Strategy, and Likely Candidates Against Hamzat
APC enters the Oyo 2027 race with a well-established political machinery and local leaders embedded across the state, but Oriyomi Hamzat’s entry under Accord Party changes the equation. His candidacy challenges the assumption that party structure alone guarantees electoral success. APC strategists are now forced to consider both voter loyalty and the persuasive power of a grassroots media personality whose appeal is cultivated through everyday interaction rather than political office. The challenge is not merely structural; it is about countering influence that resonates deeply with ordinary citizens across Ibadan and Oyo State at large.
The party’s likely gubernatorial candidate is widely expected to be Teslim Folarin, former senator and political heavyweight with decades of experience in both legislative and executive circles. Folarin brings deep knowledge of Oyo’s political terrain and established relationships with key party leaders. His experience is matched by a reputation for mobilizing resources and consolidating support in both urban and rural constituencies. APC strategists must balance the advantages of Folarin’s political track record with the need to counter Hamzat’s unconventional, media-driven appeal. The stakes are heightened because voter perception may favor authenticity and community engagement over experience alone.
In addition to Folarin, APC may consider leveraging figures such as Bayo Lawal, a respected local politician, to reinforce grassroots networks, particularly in Oyo North. These leaders provide a combination of party loyalty, political familiarity, and regional influence, which APC hopes can blunt Hamzat’s Accord Party momentum. The strategy will likely involve careful coordination of public appearances, endorsements, and community outreach to ensure that traditional support bases remain intact.
Yet the underlying tension is clear: Hamzat’s reach through Agidigbo FM and his appeal to youth and women creates pressure points where established party methods may be less effective.
Can an Outsider Reconfigure Power in Oyo State?
Oriyomi Hamzat’s entry into the 2027 Oyo governorship race exemplifies the growing potential for outsiders to reshape political landscapes traditionally dominated by party elites. His influence does not stem from party office or established political lineage, but from his visibility as a broadcaster and community figure. For decades, his voice on Agidigbo FM has created a bridge between government policies and citizen concerns, establishing trust that conventional political actors often struggle to command. This relationship transforms a media personality into a political contender capable of challenging established hierarchies.
The power Hamzat wields is subtle yet pervasive. Where incumbents rely on party machinery and historical alliances, an outsider leverages narrative, public resonance, and the ability to mobilize grassroots networks across diverse constituencies. In Oyo, this means engaging urban youth, rural communities, and women voters through both symbolic and practical channels. Hamzat’s “Oyo Npe O” slogan encapsulates the strategy: politics is not just about structures, it is about responding to the call of the people in ways that incumbents may not anticipate.
Reconfiguring power in a state like Oyo is not simply about winning votes. It requires altering the rhythm of political discourse, compelling established parties to react and adapt. Every rally, policy critique, and media engagement by Hamzat shifts public attention, creating pressure points within PDP and APC where loyalty and influence must now contend with visibility and trust earned outside traditional networks. His candidacy forces political leaders to recognize that authority in contemporary politics can be built as much on narrative and community credibility as on resources and hierarchy.
Implications for PDP, APC, and Oyo Political Forecasts
Hamzat’s candidacy immediately alters the calculus for PDP and APC. For PDP, Seyi Makinde faces the reality of a contender who appeals to segments of the electorate traditionally considered loyal. The emphasis on youth engagement, women’s empowerment, and grassroots connectivity forces Makinde’s campaign to rethink messaging and voter mobilization strategies. Maintaining the loyalty of traditional bases while addressing the concerns amplified by Hamzat becomes a central strategic challenge. The 2027 contest is no longer predictable on incumbency alone; it now requires active engagement with evolving voter expectations.
For APC, the implications are equally significant. Teslim Folarin, as a likely candidate, must navigate the tension between traditional hierarchical advantage and the insurgent appeal of a media-backed outsider. APC’s historical methods of voter mobilization may require augmentation with targeted grassroots campaigns and narrative-driven engagement. The party will need to balance its structural strength with responsiveness to the shifting dynamics introduced by Hamzat’s candidacy. Any miscalculation could result in diminished influence in urban centers where his visibility is highest.
Discussion about this post