Accord’s Oyo Drama: “Use Oriyomi for Votes, Protect Makinde’s Structure”
Oyo 2027: Accord Party Crisis Deepens as Leaders Rally Behind “Gudugudu”, Leaving Oriyomi Hamzat and Fatai Owoseni in Political Limbo
Fresh political tensions are beginning to surface within the Oyo State chapter of the Accord Party ahead of the 2027 governorship race, as growing allegations suggest that influential figures within the party are quietly aligning with a preferred candidate allegedly linked to Governor Seyi Makinde, popularly known in political circles as “Gudugudu.”
The development has sparked heated debates among party supporters and political observers, especially as media personality Oriyomi Hamzat and former Lagos State Commissioner of Police Fatai Owoseni continue to gain public attention as possible contenders ahead of the party’s primary election.
Several political stakeholders and grassroots supporters now believe that the internal structure of Accord in Oyo State may already be tilting toward a predetermined agenda, rather than an open and competitive democratic process. According to many commentators, the current political arrangement appears designed less to produce a winning governorship candidate and more to position certain individuals for future negotiations, alliances, and strategic relevance ahead of the main election.
Political observers note that Accord has historically played the role of a “third force” in Oyo politics, often influencing electoral outcomes through alliances and vote redistribution rather than outright victory. This perception has fueled claims that the party’s current activities may ultimately benefit forces connected to the ruling political establishment in the state.
One of the loudest conversations online revolves around Oriyomi Hamzat, whose growing political influence has continued to divide public opinion. While his supporters argue that his humanitarian activities, grassroots communication style, and strong connection with ordinary residents have earned him massive popularity across Oyo State, critics insist that popularity on radio and social media may not automatically translate into the competence required to govern a complex state like Oyo.
Some critics harshly dismissed the broadcaster’s governorship ambition, arguing that Oyo State requires experienced administrators with deep political and economic understanding. According to such opinions, governing a historically influential state like Oyo demands strategic intelligence, institutional experience, and elite political negotiation beyond media popularity.
However, supporters of Hamzat strongly disagree with that narrative. They argue that his consistent intervention in social welfare cases, emergency support programs, and grassroots mobilization efforts have helped him build one of the strongest informal political followings in the state. Many believe that his influence among market men and women, transport workers, youths, and ordinary residents could become a major factor in the 2027 calculations.
Another dimension to the controversy involves Fatai Owoseni, whose name continues to appear in political discussions because of his perceived closeness to powerful figures within the national leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress. Some political commentators describe him as a “Tinubu loyalist,” suggesting that his political direction may eventually align more with the interests of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC than with the internal ambitions of Accord stakeholders in Oyo State.
There are also speculations that certain political actors fear the electoral impact of Oriyomi Hamzat’s popularity if he eventually emerges as a consensus candidate. Analysts believe that many of his supporters may have indirect sympathy for Governor Makinde’s political structure, making the situation more complicated for opposition forces trying to consolidate anti-government votes.
According to this line of thinking, introducing multiple strong aspirants into the Accord governorship race could strategically divide Hamzat’s growing support base, thereby weakening any singular political momentum ahead of the general election. Others believe the ultimate objective is to ensure that Accord retains relevance and bargaining power without necessarily threatening dominant political interests in the state.
Despite the internal disagreements, many political watchers acknowledge that Oriyomi Hamzat’s emergence in Oyo politics has revealed an important reality: grassroots mobilization and media influence are becoming increasingly powerful tools in Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape. His supporters proudly point to the large voter movement forming around him as evidence that traditional political calculations may no longer be enough to determine future elections.
As the 2027 race gradually gathers momentum, the crisis within Accord may ultimately determine whether the party becomes a genuine opposition force or merely another strategic platform in Oyo State’s complicated political chess game.
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