Oriyomi Hamzat Declares Support for Tinubu Ahead of 2027 Election

The Oyo State governorship candidate of the Accord Party, Oriyomi Hamzat, has declared that he cannot work against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election, insisting that he would abide by his party's decision to support the President.

Hamzat made the declaration while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the University of Ibadan's 2026 convocation ceremony and 78th Foundation Day celebration, where he graduated with a master's degree in Peace and Conflict Resolution.

His position followed a meeting with former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin, who had visited him in Ibadan to seek his support, alongside that of other Accord Party members, for Tinubu's re-election.

The broadcaster explained that the Accord Party did not have a presidential candidate and had instead adopted Tinubu as its preferred candidate for the election.

He said supporting another presidential candidate would amount to anti-party activity, which he was unwilling to engage in.

“Our party, Accord, does not have a presidential candidate. So, the party picked Bola Tinubu to be our presidential candidate that the party will work with. I cannot do anti-party. I have to follow the guidelines of my party. We will work for Tinubu,” he said.

Hamzat added that opposing Tinubu would also be counterproductive to his own governorship ambition, particularly as he prepares to compete against established political figures in Oyo State.

On his governorship bid, he ruled out withdrawing from the race in favour of another aspirant, declaring that he remained determined to contest and serve the people of the state.

He said his ambition was driven by the desire to improve governance and address challenges affecting residents rather than simply occupy a political position.

The Accord candidate also promised to unveil a people-centred manifesto focusing on public welfare and grassroots development.

As part of his proposed security strategy, Hamzat said his administration would establish mediation centres across all 33 local government areas of Oyo State to resolve disputes before they escalate into major security concerns.

He explained that his academic pursuit in Peace and Conflict Resolution was intended to complement his existing experience in traditional dispute resolution with formal knowledge and professional training.