A massive crowd of supporters and party faithful on Tuesday thronged major streets of Ibadan to welcome All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Ololade Bakare, as he formally declared his ambition to contest the Oyo State governorship election ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The atmosphere from Alakia Airport to the APC State Secretariat at Oke-Ado was charged with excitement as thousands of supporters stormed the route to receive the governorship aspirant following his return from Abuja, where he reportedly held strategic political engagements in pursuit of his ambition.
Youths, women groups, community leaders and APC loyalists waved party flags and chanted solidarity songs while accompanying Bakare in a massive procession through the city.
The large turnout and enthusiastic reception underscored the growing momentum behind his governorship aspiration and reflected the confidence many party stakeholders and supporters have in his leadership capacity.
Addressing supporters at the APC State Secretariat in Oke-Ado, Bakare paid glowing tributes to past and late progressive leaders in Oyo State, including former governors Lam Adesina, Adebayo Alao-Akala and Abiola Ajimobi, describing them as leaders whose legacies of progressive governance must be sustained.
He called on party members and supporters to remain united in the collective effort to return the APC to power in Oyo State, stressed that unity within the party remained crucial to achieving victory in 2027.
Bakare expressed appreciation to party leaders, members and supporters for the warm reception accorded him, describing the show of solidarity as humbling and inspiring.
According to him, the support demonstrated by the crowd further strengthened his resolve to pursue people-oriented leadership capable of repositioning Oyo State for sustainable growth and development.
The governorship aspirant also reiterated his commitment to youth empowerment, infrastructural development, quality education, improved healthcare delivery and the creation of economic opportunities for residents across the state.
He assured supporters that his ambition was driven by a genuine desire to provide purposeful leadership and ensure balanced development across all regions of Oyo State.
Among APC state executives present at the declaration were the party’s Financial Secretary, Hon. Akanbi Tunde; Assistant Secretary, Hon. Lukman Owonikoko; Auditor, Mrs. Tinuade Adigun; and Oyo Central Senatorial Women Leader, Mrs. Adefunke Adeoye.
