Kareem picks Oyo APC gov nomination form

The race for the 2027 Oyo State governorship election intensified at the weekend as Dr Adewale Kolapo Kareem formally obtained the All Progressives Congress expression of interest and nomination forms, declaring his readiness to contest.

By his action, he joined other party chieftains like former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, senator representing Oyo South, Sharafadeen Alli, former deputy governor, Rauf Olaniyan, Akeem Agbaje, among others, in the race for the governorship ticket.

Kareem picked the forms at the party’s National Headquarters in Abuja, describing the move as a clear demonstration of his democratic ideals.

 “This decisive action speaks to my identity as a thoroughbred democrat and a loyal party man who respects the institutional sanctity of our great fold,” he said.

The aspirant commended the APC leadership for what he described as an open and credible process, noting that it “has once again demonstrated its status as the bastion of progressive democracy in Africa.”

Explaining his ambition, Kareem stressed that his governorship bid was driven by a clear vision for the state.

“My aspiration is not borne out of a mere desire for title, but of a deep-seated dedication to a structured and industrialised state where every citizen’s potential is unlocked,” he stated.

The APC chieftain also reaffirmed his determination to challenge the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, saying his mission is “to unseat the current PDP administration from the Agodi Government House and deliver a standard of governance that truly reflects our ‘Pacesetter’ status.”

He added that Oyo State deserves “a leadership that is transparent, proactive, and intellectually grounded,” with emphasis on human capital development.

Kareem disclosed that he would intensify consultations with stakeholders across the 33 local government areas, expressing confidence in securing the party’s ticket.

“Our stakeholders… will align with the voice of reason and collectively choose my candidacy,” he said.

On party unity, he noted, “The ‘Realistic Tomorrow’ we have envisioned is not a solitary dream but a collective mission,” as he assured that he would continue engaging party elders to build a formidable APC ahead of 2027.