A major political shift unfolded in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State on Friday as Olóyè Ambassador Ademọla Oyepeju Ara formally declared his intention to contest for the House of Representatives seat representing Oluyole Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections.
The declaration event, tagged “Declaration to Victory,” was held at Muslim Grammar School, Ibadan, and attracted a massive turnout of supporters, grassroots mobilisers, political leaders, and loyalists.
In what observers described as a significant boost for the Accord Party in Oyo State, over 10,000 attendees reportedly defected from various political parties to align with the Accord platform alongside Oyepeju Ara.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the event, the aspirant said the gathering served a dual purpose—his formal defection to the Accord Party and the official unveiling of his ambition to represent Oluyole Federal Constituency at the National Assembly.
“Today is my declaration. The event is for two purposes. One, to officially join Accord and also to move all my members into the party. Secondly, it is to declare my intent to represent the good people of Oluyole Federal Constituency in Abuja come 2027,” he said.
Oyepeju Ara used the occasion to express concerns over what he described as growing threats to Nigeria’s democratic system, particularly the idea of a one-party state.
“It is not advisable. We are practicing democracy in Nigeria, and for anyone, whether a president or any authority, to suggest a one-party system is not a good thing. It is like a gunshot to democracy,” he stated.
Outlining his legislative agenda, he promised inclusive representation and people-oriented policies aimed at addressing key developmental challenges within the constituency.
According to him, constituents should expect “more than they can imagine,” with a focus on delivering tangible dividends of democracy across critical sectors such as education, skills acquisition, electricity, healthcare, and security.
Highlighting healthcare as a pressing concern, the aspirant revealed plans to establish a specialised anti-stroke hospital in the constituency, citing the increasing prevalence of stroke among residents aged 45 and above.
“A major issue we face in Oluyole is stroke among our elderly population. I plan to establish an anti-stroke hospital to ensure modern treatment for affected individuals,” he explained.
On education, Oyepeju Ara lamented the absence of a federal or state-owned tertiary institution in the area, pledging to facilitate the establishment of both a university and a polytechnic to expand access to higher education for youths in the constituency.
“There is no government university or polytechnic in Oluyole. I will work to bring these institutions to our people, creating opportunities for our youth,” he added.
