Popular Ibadan-based broadcaster and Accord Party governorship candidate in Oyo State, Oriyomi Hamzat, has declared his support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, insisting that he cannot work against the President in the 2027 general election.
Hamzat said his position was informed by the decision of his party to adopt Tinubu as its preferred presidential candidate, stressing that he would not engage in activities capable of undermining the party’s political direction.
The governorship hopeful spoke with journalists on Saturday on the sidelines of the University of Ibadan’s 2026 convocation and 78th Foundation Day celebration, where he graduated with a master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Resolution.
His declaration followed a meeting with former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin, who had visited him in Ibadan to solicit his support and that of Accord Party members for Tinubu’s re-election.
According to Hamzat, the Accord Party has no presidential candidate of its own and has therefore resolved to work with the incumbent President in the forthcoming election.
He said, “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.
“Secondly, I’m a governorship candidate struggling to have my way out of the big politicians that I’m facing. So, for me to come out and say I’m working against Tinubu, when we don’t have another candidate, it’s counterproductive.”
On his ambition to govern Oyo State, the broadcaster ruled out withdrawing from the contest in favour of another aspirant, declaring that he was determined to pursue his governorship bid.
He maintained that his ambition was driven by the desire to serve the people rather than personal desperation for political power.
“I’m contesting. I’m not desperate to be in a position, but I’m determined to serve my people. I will never step down for anyone,” he declared.
Hamzat also promised to unveil a people-oriented manifesto that would prioritise public welfare and grassroots development, expressing confidence that his administration would bring meaningful changes to the state if elected.
He said his proposed government would establish mediation centres across all 33 local government areas of Oyo State to address disputes at the community level before they escalate into major security concerns.
“Our government will create a mediation centre throughout the 33 local governments of the state before the problem boomerangs. It could be settled within the micro-settings of our society,” he explained.
The Accord candidate further linked his recent academic achievement to his determination to strengthen his understanding of conflict management and dispute resolution.
He explained that although he had relied on traditional knowledge and indigenous approaches to settling disputes, his studies at the University of Ibadan exposed him to additional areas requiring formal training.
“Before now, I had been using native intelligence and the experience of our forefathers, how they settle disputes. When I got to the University of Ibadan to get a certificate to back me up, I realised there were so many areas that I needed to work on,” he said.
Hamzat, who is also the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of 88.7 Agidigbo FM, said his academic training would complement his practical experience in conflict resolution as he prepares for the 2027 governorship election.
