Popular Broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat Declares 2027 Governorship Bid in Oyo State

Ibadan, Oyo State

oyo State media personality and entrepreneur Oriyomi Hamzat has officially announced his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election under the platform of the Accord Party, marking his formal entry into partisan politics.

Hamzat, widely recognized as the founder of Agidigbo FM, a radio station with significant reach across Oyo State, has leveraged his media influence and grassroots engagement to cultivate a strong public following—an asset he plans to translate into political capital.

Speaking at a public event where he made the declaration, Hamzat said he would cease campaigning or mobilizing support for other politicians, signaling a shift to pursuing his own mandate directly from the people.

By joining the Accord Party, Hamzat positions himself outside the state’s dominant political blocs, presenting himself as a third-force alternative in Oyo State’s 2027 governorship contest. Analysts suggest that his entry could reshape early dynamics of the race, particularly in urban and semi-urban communities where his media presence has historically been influential.

Observers note that Hamzat’s popularity in the media sphere may give him a distinct advantage in mobilizing young voters and grassroots supporters, though the challenge will be to convert media fame into electoral success. His campaign will depend heavily on party structure, organizational capacity, and coalition-building with political and community stakeholders.

Political analysts also point out that Hamzat’s declaration reflects a broader trend in Nigerian politics, where media personalities and non-traditional actors are increasingly entering elective politics, challenging entrenched party hierarchies and offering voters alternative choices.

Hamzat’s announcement introduces a new dimension to the Oyo governorship race, drawing attention to consultations with local leaders, civil society groups, and political stakeholders, as he prepares for the formal campaign period. His ability to consolidate support and build strategic alliances will likely determine whether his third-force bid can genuinely challenge candidates from the major parties, including the APC and PDP.

Political watchers are already analyzing the potential impact on early electoral alignments, noting that Hamzat’s candidacy could reshape voting patterns in key constituencies, especially among urban youths and first-time voters.

As the 2027 governorship election approaches, all eyes are on Hamzat to see how he translates his media influence and public recognition into a viable political campaign. His participation underscores a growing trend in Nigerian politics: grassroots visibility and media engagement increasingly shape electoral competitiveness.

For Oyo State, the entry of Oriyomi Hamzat signals that the 2027 election could see heightened competition, with new actors challenging established political elites, potentially creating a more dynamic and unpredictable political landscape.