Popular Ibadan-based broadcaster and Accord Party governorship candidate in Oyo State, Oriyomi Hamzat, has claimed that he played a major role in bringing Governor Seyi Makinde into the political race that eventually led to his emergence as governor.
Hamzat also said he deserved recognition for the achievements recorded by Makinde’s administration, arguing that he was among those who supported the governor’s bid because of his belief that Makinde would serve the interests of Oyo residents.
The broadcaster made the remarks while addressing Accord Party members in Ibadan on Saturday, amid growing political differences between him and Makinde ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Hamzat, who is known for his interventionist radio programme, “Kokoro Alate,” said he actively campaigned for Makinde because he believed in his ability to govern the state.
He questioned why he was not being acknowledged for the administration’s achievements despite supporting the governor’s emergence.
According to him, his relationship with the government was never based on contracts or personal benefits. He maintained that his only expectation was for the administration to improve the lives of the people.
Hamzat said he had been accused of being ungrateful but argued that he had consistently defended the governor when he believed Makinde was doing well.
He said, in essence, that if Makinde had performed well as governor, the people should also recognise those who helped bring him to power.
The political relationship between Hamzat and Makinde has reportedly deteriorated as both men now pursue different political interests ahead of 2027.
Makinde, who is serving his second term as Oyo governor, has moved to the Allied Peoples Movement, where he is pursuing his presidential ambition. He was formally presented as the party’s presidential candidate in May 2026.
As part of his succession plans in Oyo, Makinde has also backed former Oyo Commissioner for Finance, Bimbo Adekanmbi, as his preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election. The APM subsequently adopted Adekanmbi as its consensus candidate.
Hamzat, meanwhile, is seeking the Oyo governorship under the Accord Party. He declared his ambition in January and later obtained the party’s nomination forms.
His political emergence has coincided with controversies involving the broadcaster and the state government.
In June, the Oyo State Police Command raided a residence linked to Surajudeen Babatunde Adio, popularly known as Suri Ilupeju, in the Gbeku area of Olodo, Ibadan.
Five suspects were arrested, while the police said firearms, ammunition, a locally made bulletproof vest, suspected charms and other items were recovered. Suri, whom the police described as a former member of the Park Management System, was reportedly still at large.
The operation generated political controversy after attempts were made to link Suri with Hamzat.
Hamzat denied any connection to criminal activities, describing the allegation as a smear campaign aimed at damaging his political ambition. He said he had never sponsored, encouraged, protected or supported anyone involved in criminal activities.
He urged security agencies to conduct their investigations professionally without implicating innocent people.
Hamzat also addressed the Ibadan Circular Road and the 1,000-metre corridor project, promising that if elected governor, he would make the road available for public use regardless of the stage of construction.
However, he said further work on the project would only proceed after adequate compensation had been paid to residents and other stakeholders affected by the development.
