Former Minister Shittu announces intentions for a gubernatorial bid
Former Minister Adebayo Shittu Declares Bid for Oyo State Governorship in 2027
Adebayo Shittu, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a seasoned politician, has announced his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State. The 72-year-old made his declaration on Monday during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu.
Shittu, who began his political career in 1979 at the age of 26 as a member of the old Oyo House of Assembly, believes his over four-decade-long political career makes him the "most qualified" for the job. He served as Commissioner for Information, Culture and Home Affairs, and subsequently Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in the state. Shittu most recently served as Minister of Communications between 2015 and 2019 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The former minister believes the leadership of Oyo State should rotate beyond Ibadan, arguing that the current situation is not sustainable in a democracy. Shittu stresses that fairness demands a rotation of leadership in the state, as Ibadan has produced six different governors over the last forty or thirty years. He laments the exclusion of Oke-Ogun from the power structure of Oyo State, stating that Oke-Ogun, with ten local governments, has never had a governor.
Shittu believes the exclusion of Oke-Ogun is unjust and calls for a more balanced power structure in the state. He argues that the region, which has been contributing significantly to the state's economy, deserves a fair share in the state's leadership. Shittu, who hails from Oke-Ogun, has been a vocal advocate for the region's development and fair representation in the state's politics.
At 72, Shittu dismissed concerns about his age, insisting that his capacity and intellect remain intact. "Age is just a number. If you want to compare me, do that in terms of intelligence and dynamism. I'm as strong as, if not stronger than, anyone my age," Shittu stated. He also revealed that he has a manifesto detailing his plans for transforming Oyo State, focusing on education, infrastructure, and economic development.
Shittu's declaration marks the latest development in the race for the 2027 Oyo State governorship election. The former minister's decision to contest the election comes after years of service in the political sphere, and he is poised to bring his wealth of experience to the table. With his declaration, the race for the Oyo State governorship seat is expected to heat up, as more politicians announce their intentions to contest the election.
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