Adebayo Shittu, a former Minister of Communications and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, has announced his intention to run in the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State. Shittu, who boasts of his extensive experience, resources, and vision, made the declaration during an exclusive interview on a current affairs program.
With a political career spanning over four decades, Shittu cited his qualifications, which include being elected into the old Oyo House of Assembly at the age of 26 in 1979. He also served as Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Home Affairs, and later as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in the state. His most recent national role was as the Minister of Communications from 2015 to 2019 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Shittu emphasized that he is ready to transform Oyo State, having a clear idea of what he wants to achieve in government. He noted that he is the only candidate with a manifesto outlining his plans. The former minister also highlighted the need for rotational leadership, pointing out that his region, Oke-Ogun, has been marginalized in the power structure despite having ten local governments.
According to Shittu, the Ibadan region has produced six governors in the past thirty to forty years, while Ogbomosho has also had a governor. However, Oke-Ogun has never had the opportunity to produce a governor. He stressed that it is time for rotational leadership, saying “enough is enough for Ibadan.” Shittu also addressed concerns about his age, stating that age is just a number and that he is as strong and dynamic as anyone his age.
The 72-year-old elder statesman’s declaration sets the stage for the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State. As the election approaches, it remains to be seen how Shittu’s candidacy will be received by the electorate. With his extensive experience and clear vision, Shittu is likely to be a strong contender in the election. The outcome of the election will depend on various factors, including the candidates’ campaign strategies and the voters’ preferences.
