By Olamide Adeniji
Before Oriyomi Hamzat’s declaration on Saturday which has reignited conversations across Ibadan and Oyo State, the Accord Party had long occupied a familiar space in the state’s political imagination: that of a resilient third force.
Never entirely dominant, yet never irrelevant, Accord has for years served as a refuge for dissent, protest votes, and politicians pushed to the margins by larger parties. Its relevance did not emerge overnight, and its roots, particularly in Ibadan, run deep.
To understand Accord’s enduring presence, one must return to a defining moment in Oyo State politics. In the late 2000s, following his controversial impeachment and subsequent failure to secure the PDP ticket for re-election in 2007, then governor of Oyo State, and now the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, found a new political home in Accord.
What followed was not a retreat but a dramatic re-entry into the political arena.
At the historic Mapo Hall rally in Ibadan, Ladoja pulled a mammoth crowd that stunned political observers and altered calculations across party lines. That single event etched Accord into the consciousness of Ibadan politics, proving that beyond party dominance, personality, perceived injustice, and grassroots connection could still mobilise the masses.
Over the years, Accord became a platform of last resort for many politicians sidelined by dominant parties, particularly during the era of the once all-powerful Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Figures such as Senator Olufemi Lanlehin and Chief Oyebisi Ilaka further entrenched the party’s influence. Most recently, Ilaka once again underscored Accord’s relevance by leading one of the largest political rallies in recent times, formally reintroducing the party as a serious player in Oyo State politics.
Yet for all its visibility and ability to disrupt, Accord has often fallen short at the final hurdle: translating popularity into electoral victory. It has shaped narratives, unsettled opponents, and remained stubbornly present in political conversations, but power has remained elusive.
It is against this historical backdrop that Oriyomi Hamzat has now made his bold entrance.
On Tuesday, the Chief Executive Officer of Agidigbo FM Radio station, Ibadan, formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 Oyo State governorship election on the platform of the Accord Party. The declaration was made at a rally held at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, drawing a large crowd despite reported logistical challenges.
Addressing supporters, Hamzat made it clear that he was no longer content with playing the role of political mobilizer for others.
He said, “I am publicly declaring today that in 2027, I will not campaign for anyone or mobilise crowds for anyone. I, Oriyomi Hamzat, will be contesting in the gubernatorial election under the Accord Party.”
In a dramatic moment that further energised the crowd, Hamzat alleged that a powerful “order from above” had been issued to transport operators to prevent them from conveying his supporters to the venue.
“They blocked our buses, but they can’t block our legs,” he said, a line that quickly resonated among attendees and circulated widely beyond the stadium.
Hamzat is no stranger to public influence. A popular radio presenter and media entrepreneur, he is best known for hosting programmes on Agidigbo FM, particularly the human rights-focused show Kokoro Alate, which has earned him a devoted following across Oyo State and beyond. His ability to mobilise crowds, shape public opinion, and connect with grassroots audiences has long been evident. What is new is his decision to convert that influence into a direct electoral bid.
As the road to 2027 unfolds, the question surrounding Accord has shifted. It is no longer about whether the party belongs in the political conversation. That question was answered years ago, from MAPO to Liberty Stadium. The real issue now is whether Accord, under a new kind of standard-bearer, can finally cross the line from relevance to victory.
What will Hamzat do differently from those before him? Can he transform media popularity and street credibility into a statewide political structure capable of winning elections? Will he expand Accord’s appeal beyond Ibadan and turn enthusiasm into disciplined votes at the polls?
One thing is certain: Ibadan’s political terrain is shifting once again. Accord is back in the conversation, louder than it has been in years. Whether this moment becomes another footnote in history or the beginning of a genuine power shift will define Oyo State politics heading into 2027.
And perhaps the most unsettling question for the political establishment remains: who should be more concerned: the PDP or the APC?
The answer may emerge sooner than many expect. Only time, strategy, and the ballot will tell.
•Adeniji is a PR strategist, and a Journalist from Oyo State.
