A frontline chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former gubernatorial candidate in Oyo State, Engineer Oyedele Hakeem Alao (Allow Alao) in this interview speaks on his gubernatorial aspiration come 2027 and while President Bola Tinubu will be elected for second term. Excerpts :
Question : With growing threats from the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027. Do you see him having more votes in the next election in the state coupled with the fact that the President Tinubu had 449,884 votes in Oyo State during the 2023 presidential election?
Alao : The chances of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or any opposition coalition unseating APC at both the national and state levels are highly unlikely. The reason is that the current ADC coalition comprises politicians whose track records have not inspired confidence among voters. Many are seen as being out of touch with the real needs of Nigerians, thereby reducing their relevance.
And to come to Oyo State, the ongoing synergy, alignments, and realignments within the APC point towards a strengthened support base for President Tinubu. With internal disputes resolved and the unity of the party restored, President Tinubu will not only retain but surpass the 449,884 votes he secured in the last election. I have no doubt in my mind that the improved coordination in APC’s campaign machinery and growing grassroots support will yield a stronger electoral mandate in 2027.
Question : Why do you think the APC would reclaim the state from PDP in 2027 despite Governor Seyi Makinde’s influence and power?
Alao : Today, the All Progressives Congress (APC) stands as the most formidable opposition in the political landscape of Oyo State. Governor Seyi Makinde who has been in power for more than six years now has failed the people of Oyo State. As a governor, he has failed to deliver impactful policies that truly benefit the everyday people of the state. Even amid widespread economic hardship, his administration has been oscillating between mismanagement and misplaced priorities, neglecting critical areas that would otherwise uplift the masses.
Also, you will observe that in recent times, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has of recent experienced internal decline, with its influence waning not only in Oyo State but nationwide. Many PDP members are defecting to the APC, a trend that will continue as the next election approaches. And APC in Oyo State, having resolved previous internal divisions that affected its past performance, is now unified and better positioned to win back the state. Even public sentiment reflects growing dissatisfaction with the current leadership in the state, which strengthens the prospects of the APC in 2027.
Question: What do you have that will make you defeat the ruling PDP in the state should APC give you the gubernatorial ticket come 2027?
Alao : I am guided by deep faith in Almighty God and motivated by a passion for genuine service to the people, especially the underprivileged. My commitment to transforming Oyo State is rooted in firsthand experience, having travelled extensively across its towns and villages. This has given me a clear understanding of the challenges faced by our citizens.
My carefully developed manifesto addresses critical sectors that include education, health, agriculture, security, and others. Rather than treating these challenges as isolated problems, I recognize their interconnected nature and have developed innovative solutions for each. My approach emphasizes inclusive policymaking by ensuring that all voices are heard; practical, locally-driven solutions tailored to Oyo State’s unique context; transparent governance to build and maintain public trust and youth empowerment and economic revitalization with a strong focus on both.
As an engineer by profession, I have worked in the private sector of the oil and gas industry since 1993, holding various roles—including Project Engineer, Facilities Engineer, and Project Manager—all within Nigeria before moving abroad.
In January 2004, I secured employment with the internationally acclaimed engineering consultants, Tebodin and Partners, in the Sultanate of Oman, where I was seconded to Petroleum Development of Oman as Projects Construction Coordinator. Due to my strong performance as a seconded staff member, I was formally recruited by Petroleum Development of Oman in November 2006 as a Senior Contract Analyst to manage the administration of two major service contracts totaling $1.08 billion. I also served as secretary to the Governance Board of these two contracts until 2011.
Later, I was elevated to the position of Company Representative, managing a $2 billion Off Plot Delivery Service Contract. In 2015, I was promoted to Head, Contract Services, overseeing eight service contracts with a combined value exceeding $4.5 billion. In this role, I managed four main sections: contract administration, planning, costing, and In-Country Value. In 2019, I was reassigned as Lead Compliance Engineer to support departmental contract holders, while concurrently serving as Contract Holder for the Off Plot contract.
I concluded my service with Petroleum Development of Oman after eighteen years. In 2023, based on my experience and financial standing, I was invited to join the group of Arab investors—Al Jadeed International Investment—which has diverse portfolios spanning finance, oil and gas, energy, and retail supermarket chains. As part of my commitment to the group, I was appointed Investment Adviser for Nigeria and other West African countries and lately announced as Vice President ‘ Investment African Operations’
I firmly believe that the path to both state and national development lies in a well-thought-out program of equal and sustainable development, focusing on infrastructural development, human capacity development, youth empowerment, job creation, employment generation, mechanized agriculture, industrialization (including agro-based industries), and the judicious exploitation and commercialization of natural resources.
Given the fact that I was an Alliance for Democracy (AD) gubernatorial candidate in 2019 and a gubernatorial aspirant in APC in 2023 and with the support of the APC leadership, youth and women fold, I am confident in my ability to defeat the PDP and lead Oyo State into an era of sustainable growth, real progress in 2027 and a reclaim of pacesetter glory.