By Modupe Bankole
A former Deputy Governor of Oyo State and governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Barrister Hazeem Gbolarumi, has declared that he is fully prepared to win the 2027 governorship election, boasting of solid political structures across the state’s 33 local government areas.
Gbolarumi made the declaration during an interactive session with journalists in Ibadan, where he spoke extensively on his political journey, party loyalty, godfatherism, internal party dynamics, and his vision for inclusive governance in Oyo State.
According to the legal practitioner and veteran politician, his confidence is rooted in decades of grassroots political engagement, stressing that he did not emerge suddenly in public life.
“I have my structures across the 33 local governments. I have been in politics since 1979, from the ward level to the state level. I am prepared and primed to win the next governorship election,” Gbolarumi said.
Tracing his political background, he recalled his early days in the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), his subsequent role as State Secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and his service at the local government level, describing himself as a thoroughbred grassroots politician.
“I didn’t just wake up one day and become popular. I worked my way through the system. I am a grassroots politician,” he added.
Gbolarumi also reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to the PDP, noting that he has never defected since the party’s formation, a rarity in contemporary Nigerian politics.
“I have never left PDP since its inception. Politics should not be about moving from one party to another after benefiting.
Loyalty and consistency matter,” he stated.
On the controversial issue of godfatherism, the former deputy governor dismissed claims by politicians who deny benefitting from political support networks, describing such assertions as insincere.
“Anybody who says he has no godfather is not sincere. Nobody succeeds alone in politics. Those who supported you, believed in you, and contributed to your success are your godfathers. Politics is collective,” he said.
He explained that godfatherism, when properly understood, is not wickedness but a natural outcome of collective effort, relationships, and long-term commitment.
Addressing internal wrangling within the PDP, Gbolarumi described factionalisation as a normal feature of political contests, expressing optimism that all disputes would be resolved in the interest of the party.
“People support different candidates during elections, but once a winner emerges, we must unite. We are one family. The issues will soon be settled,” he assured.
Confirming his governorship ambition, Gbolarumi disclosed that he had formally informed the incumbent governor of his intention to contest through a letter, which he said was acknowledged.
“No successor has been officially announced, so I decided not to wait. Politics requires courage and preparedness,” he said.
While acknowledging the rising cost of politics, the aspirant insisted that money alone cannot guarantee electoral victory.
“My people are my network. You don’t always need billions. Credibility, trust, public support, and God are very important,” he maintained.
Gbolarumi also described his relationship with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as longstanding and cordial.
“We are brothers and friends. I have free access to him; I don’t need an appointment,” he said.
He revealed also ,that he had been courted by other political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), but chose to remain with the PDP because of its strong structure, particularly in the South-West.
In an emotional moment, the PDP chieftain paid glowing tribute to his late political mentor, Chief Lamidi Adedibu, whom he described as a major influence on his life and career.
“He taught me generosity, humility, and discipline. He died in my arms. Before he passed, he placed his cap on me and his slippers on the the other side. That moment changed my life forever,” he recalled.
That moment changed my life forever,” he recalled.
Speaking on public criticism, Gbolarumi said it is an inevitable part of political life and should be embraced.
“If you are not criticised, you are probably not doing anything meaningful,” he said.
He further pledged to remain loyal to the PDP regardless of the outcome of the party’s primaries.
“Even if I am not chosen, I will stay and work for the party. I have done so before and I will do it again,” he affirmed.
On a personal note, Gbolarumi disclosed that none of his children is involved in active politics, narrating how they once hid documents to prevent him from selling his London property to finance a political campaign.
“They wanted to protect me,” he said.
He also spoke about his trademark cap, describing it as part of his political identity and journey.
On governance, the governorship hopeful advocated inclusive, consultative, and transparent leadership, stressing that no leader can succeed in isolation.
“No leader can succeed alone. Governance must be based on teamwork and collective effort,” he said, adding that he has helped nurture several political leaders, including chairmen, legislators, and governors.
Gbolarumi concluded by calling for unity among political actors and stakeholders in Oyo State, warning against allowing political disagreements to hinder development.
“Politics should not divide us permanently. We may disagree today, but tomorrow we must still work together for the progress of our state,” he said.
