2027: Accord Party names Olaniyi as its pick for Ogun state governor

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By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

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The Ogun State chapter of Accord Party has unveiled Alhaji Okewole Olaniyi as its governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections, following the party’s primary election held in Abeokuta on Tuesday.

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The exercise, which also produced candidates for various State House of Assembly seats, took place at the party’s secretariat amid strong declarations by party leaders against god-fatherism, vote-buying and what they described as “stomach infrastructure politics.”

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Announcing the outcome of the primaries, the State Chairman of the party and Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Hon. Oke Rotimi Michael, said the candidates emerged through a consensus arrangement adopted by the party to promote unity and internal cohesion.

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Michael disclosed that the party successfully concluded its governorship and House of Assembly primaries in line with its constitution and electoral guidelines.

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“For the governorship position, the party has elected Alhaji Okewole Olaniyi as its candidate for the 2027 election,” he declared.

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He also announced the emergence of other candidates, including Mr. Salami Monsuru for Ado-Odo/Ota II State Constituency, Mr. Jinadu Oyeniyi for Sagamu I State Constituency and Mrs. Abulraheem Lateefat for Abeokuta North State Constituency.

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Other members of the electoral committee included Mr. Ajetunmobi Lateef as secretary, alongside Mrs. Feyisetan Babatunde, Mrs. Rasheedat Shittu and Mr. Caleb Adetoro.

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Speaking at the programme, Michael charged party members and candidates to remain committed to the ideals of the Accord Party and work collectively towards transforming Ogun State.

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“We have a lot of work ahead to make Ogun State truly great. This is only the beginning, and we must ensure that the people feel the impact of the Accord Party,” he said.

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The party chairman stressed that the Accord Party was founded on the principles of service, inclusiveness and human development rather than personal ambition or political manipulation.

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“We are a party for the people. We do not believe in godfatherism; we believe in service — service to God and service to humanity. Everything we do in this party is centred on human development and the welfare of the people,” Michael stated.

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He also warned residents against selling their votes during elections, insisting that Ogun people must reject inducement politics and support candidates with genuine developmental agendas.

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“This time around, the people must move away from politics of stomach infrastructure — rice, tomatoes, pepper and other inducements. We must vote for candidates who can truly bring development to our state,” he added.

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Michael further urged Nigerians, particularly youths, not to abandon the country despite prevailing socio-economic challenges, saying nation-building requires collective sacrifice and patriotism.

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“This is our state and Nigeria is our country. There is no other place we can truly call our own. No matter where anyone travels to, outside this country you will still be regarded as a second-class citizen. Therefore, we must work together to make Ogun State and Nigeria greater,” he said.

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Michael also called for unity among members, noting that political offices should be seen as platforms for service rather than entitlement.

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“Today I am the chairman; tomorrow another person may occupy this position. What is important is that we continue to work for the future of our party and our state,” he said.

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The party leadership commended members of the electoral committee, aspirants, supporters and journalists for ensuring a peaceful and successful exercise.

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In his acceptance speech, delivered by the Director-General of his campaign organisation, Mr. Waheed Azeez, Olaniyi thanked party members for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to provide purposeful leadership if elected.

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According to him, the Accord Party is determined to bring about political and socio-economic transformation in Ogun State through strategic engagement with stakeholders and people-oriented policies.

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“We are determined to effect a total overhaul of the current political order in Ogun State. What we are witnessing today is not the best for our people, and the Accord Party is ready to provide purposeful leadership and positive transformation,” Azeez stated on behalf of the candidate.

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