Popular Ibadan broadcaster and Accord Party governorship candidate in Oyo State, Oriyomi Hamzat, has hit back at those accusing him of being a transactional politician, insisting that his support for Governor Seyi Makinde was never motivated by government contracts or personal benefits.
Hamzat said he supported Makinde’s emergence as governor because he genuinely believed the governor would work for the people of Oyo State.
He spoke on Saturday while addressing members of the Accord Party in Ibadan, amid his growing political differences with Makinde ahead of the 2027 general election.
The broadcaster said he had been unfairly labelled ungrateful because of his decision to criticise the administration after once being one of its supporters.
Hamzat, who is known for his interventionist radio programme, Kokoro Alate, said his relationship with the government was never based on a contract-for-support arrangement.
He stressed that he did not support Makinde because he expected government contracts or other personal favours.
According to him, his only expectation was that the governor would deliver good governance and improve the lives of Oyo residents.
Hamzat also reminded his critics that he was among those who supported and campaigned for Makinde when he was seeking the governorship of the state.
He questioned why he should be accused of ingratitude when he had publicly mobilised support for the governor based on his belief that Makinde would perform in office.
The Accord candidate said he was only asking the people to acknowledge that the politician he helped introduce to them had recorded achievements in government.
His comments come against the backdrop of the growing political gulf between him and Makinde ahead of the 2027 elections.
Makinde is pursuing a presidential ambition on the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement, while Hamzat is seeking to succeed him as Oyo governor on the Accord platform.
Makinde has also backed former Commissioner for Finance, Bimbo Adekanmbi, as his preferred successor, with the APM subsequently adopting Adekanmbi as its consensus governorship candidate.
Hamzat’s emergence as an Accord candidate has therefore placed him directly against the succession plan being promoted by the governor.
The political disagreement has also coincided with controversies involving Hamzat.
In June, the Oyo State Police Command raided a residence linked to Surajudeen Babatunde Adio, popularly known as “Suri Ilupeju,” in the Gbeku area of Olodo, Ibadan.
Five suspects were arrested, while the police said firearms, ammunition, a locally made bulletproof vest, suspected charms and other items were recovered. Suri, whom the police described as a former member of the Park Management System, was said to be at large.
Hamzat subsequently denied attempts to link him to the suspect, describing the allegation as a smear campaign targeted at his political ambition.
He insisted that he had never sponsored, encouraged, shielded or supported anyone involved in criminal activities.
Meanwhile, Hamzat has promised to open the Ibadan Circular Road to motorists if elected governor, regardless of the stage of construction at which he takes over.
He, however, said further work on the project would be suspended until adequate compensation was paid to residents and other stakeholders affected by the development.
Don’t Miss Out! Join our WhatsApp Channel for instant news updates. Click here to join
ALSO READ:
LATE FOOD, NIGHTMARE! Minister Mocks Adeleke, Drags Governor’s Wife Into Osun Poll
OSUN POLL BATTLE: Accord Party Alleges APC Harbouring Election Hackers In Hotel
