From Radio to Politics : The Bold Rise of Oriyomi Hamzat in the Oyo 2027 Guber Race
From Radio to Politics : The Bold Rise of Oriyomi Hamzat in the Oyo 2027 Guber Race
In a significant turn for Oyo State politics, prominent media entrepreneur and human rights activist, Oriyomi Hamzat has officially entered the 2027 governorship race.
The founder of Agidigbo 88.7 FM made his formal declaration on Saturday, January 17, 2026, during a massive rally held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium (formerly Liberty Stadium) in Ibadan. This move marks a transition from his role as an influential broadcaster to a direct participant in the state’s executive leadership contest.
Hamzat’s entry into the race is under the banner of the Accord Party, a platform he chose after his grassroots movement,”Oyo Npe O”(Oyo is Calling You), officially merged with the party.
The event was a sea of yellow as thousands of supporters from all 33 local government areas gathered to witness his induction. The National Chairman of the Accord Party, Barr. Maxwell, was present to hand over the membership card, signaling the party’s full backing of Hamzat’s ambition.
For many residents of Oyo State, Hamzat is a familiar and trusted figure known for his “voice for the voiceless” approach to broadcasting.
Through his popular radio program, Kókóró Aláte, he has spent years advocating for the oppressed and exposing social injustices. He described his decision to run as a “divine call,” noting that while he previously preferred being a cheerleader for others, the demands of the people eventually compelled him to step forward.
During his emotional declaration speech, Hamzat addressed the lack of a traditional “political godfather” or massive financial reserves.
He told the gathered crowd that he was coming into the race with “God and the people” as his primary assets.
This populist approach resonates strongly with his listener base, particularly among the youth and marginalized groups who see him as a symbol of integrity and transparency.
His campaign vision focuses heavily on practical, measurable impacts for the ordinary citizen rather than political rhetoric. He has pledged to implement robust programs specifically designed to empower women and create sustainable jobs for the youth. Hamzat emphasized that his government would be one of accountability, ensuring that the state’s resources are used to benefit the grassroots rather than a small political elite.
The broadcaster also took the opportunity to dispel rumors that he might eventually step down or “negotiate” his support for another major candidate. He firmly stated that his commitment to the governorship dream is absolute and that he intends to see the race through to the end.
This stance is seen as an attempt to distance himself from the typical political bargaining that often characterizes Nigerian election cycles.
Hamzat’s professional background is deeply rooted in investigative journalism and public service. Before launching Agidigbo FM, he worked with several media organizations, including the Guardian and the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS).
His history of using his platform to intervene in high-profile human rights cases, such as the mysterious death of student Timothy Adegoke, has earned him a loyal following that transcends traditional political lines.
Beyond the airwaves, Hamzat is also recognized for his philanthropic work through his charity foundation. He is known for sponsoring the education of motherless children and providing support for the needy, often using his own resources to help those in distress.
This humanitarian record serves as a cornerstone of his campaign, as he argues that he has already been doing “the work of government” privately for years.
The 2027 race in Oyo State is expected to be highly competitive, but Hamzat’s candidacy introduces a “wild card” element that could disrupt the dominance of the two major parties. His ability to mobilize the masses through his radio station gives him a unique communication advantage that few other aspirants possess.
Analysts suggest that if he can convert his massive listenership into actual votes, he will be a formidable contender.
As the political season begins to heat up, the “Oriyomi Hamzat factor” has become a central topic of discussion across the state. His journey from a print journalist to a media mogul, and now a governorship aspirant, represents a new chapter for Oyo politics.
For his supporters, he is more than just a candidate; he is a beacon of hope for a governance style that truly listens to the pulse of the people.
