Gbolarumi Unveils Blueprint for Oyo, Seeks People's Mandate in 2027

   By Seyifunmi Odunuga 

Barrister Hazeem Gbolarumi, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2027 Oyo State election, has unveiled what he described as a people-oriented blueprint aimed at repositioning the state through justice, economic growth and inclusive governance.

The former Deputy Governor of Oyo State said his administration, if elected, would focus on strengthening the rule of law, expanding social welfare programmes and creating an enabling environment for investment and job creation.

Gbolarumi, who emerged as the PDP flagbearer after a resounding victory at the party's governorship primary, said the overwhelming support he received from delegates reflected the confidence of party members in his leadership and vision for the state.

Born on March 4, 1957, in Ibadan, Gbolarumi began his political career in 1979 as a youth leader in the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), where he was mentored under the political philosophy of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

He later served as Municipal Secretary of the old Ibadan Municipal Government in 1991 and became Oyo State Secretary of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) in 1993 before playing key roles in the development of the PDP in Oyo State, including serving as the party's state chairman and holding other strategic leadership positions.

His profile in public service rose further in January 2006 when he was appointed Deputy Governor under the administration of the late Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala. Following the Supreme Court judgment that reinstated Rashidi Ladoja as governor later that year, Gbolarumi accepted the verdict, a decision his supporters say demonstrated his respect for democratic institutions and the rule of law.

Beyond politics, Gbolarumi has built a career in the legal profession. He earned a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from the University of Ibadan before obtaining a Master of Laws (LL.M) in International Business Law from the United Kingdom. He was subsequently called to the Nigerian Bar and sworn in as a Notary Public.

Speaking on his policy direction, the PDP candidate pledged to improve access to justice by supporting indigent inmates who lack legal representation, while pursuing reforms aimed at decongesting correctional facilities and strengthening rehabilitation programmes.

He also promised to expand social protection initiatives for vulnerable residents, promote human rights and implement policies capable of reducing poverty across the state.

On the economy, Gbolarumi said his administration would encourage investment, support agriculture, boost the hospitality sector and strengthen real estate development as part of efforts to create jobs and stimulate sustainable economic growth.

A businessman with investments in agriculture, hospitality and property development, Gbolarumi said his combination of political experience, legal expertise and private sector background has equipped him with the capacity to lead Oyo State into a new phase of development.

As preparations for the 2027 governorship election gather momentum, the PDP standard-bearer urged residents of the state to support his vision, assuring them of transparent, accountable and people-centred governance if entrusted with the mandate.