I, Adewale Kolapo Kareem, a governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, wish to reiterate my firm belief in the internal democratic process of our great party and my unwavering commitment to the progress of Oyo State.
 
During a recent interview, I was asked how I plan to overcome what some observers have described as “bigwig aspirants” within the party who are also seeking the APC governorship ticket.
 
My response is simple and sincere.
 
I am a staunch party man and a true progressive. If being described as a “bigwig” means being a patriot who is deeply invested in the success of our party and the progress of our state, then I proudly count myself among those who are committed to the growth and future of the APC.
 
However, my focus is not on personalities or political labels. My focus is on the “ball” — the welfare of the people and the future development of Oyo State.
 
I have absolute confidence in the All Progressives Congress to conduct a meticulous, transparent, and credible process as we prepare to choose our candidate for the 2027 governorship election. Whether through consensus or direct primaries, I believe the process will reflect the democratic ideals that define our great party.
 
I strongly believe that what should guide our decision is competence, vision, credibility, and capacity. It should also be about who has the ideas, the new initiatives, and the practical roadmap required to move Oyo State forward and position it for sustainable growth and prosperity.
 
Leadership in today’s world also requires the ability to combine global exposure with local understanding. My professional experience abroad, particularly in Australia, has exposed me to governance systems where planning, accountability, and efficiency are central to development. My belief is that such global best practices must be carefully adapted to our local realities in Oyo State so that governance delivers real and measurable improvements in the lives of our people.
 
I must also emphasize that all the APC governorship aspirants are my fathers, my brothers, and my friends. These are individuals who have contributed in various ways to the development of our party and the growth of our state. Our engagement should therefore be seen as a democratic conversation within a progressive family, not a contest of hostility.
 
My aspiration is guided by a development philosophy I describe as “Realistic Tomorrow.” It is a vision that prioritizes human capital development, economic expansion, infrastructure modernization, and inclusive governance.
 
I believe that when the process is fair, transparent, and guided by the desire to move Oyo State forward, the outcome will naturally reflect the collective aspiration of our party members and the people of the state.
 
Let me reiterate this clearly: I am not running against individuals. I am running for the future of Oyo State.
 
My commitment remains to the progress of Oyo State, the unity and strength of the All Progressives Congress, and the shared goal of building a prosperous future for our people.
 
~ Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK)
Oyo State APC Gubernatorial Aspirant
APC… PROGRESS!
Oyo 2027
AKK 2027
Governor 2027
AKK! Aseyori ni tiwa
AKK!! Ajọṣe, Ajoje
AKK!!! A Task That Must Be Done
Friday, March 14 2026.