With the 2027 governorship election fast approaching, All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant, Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK), is drawing attention to a leadership style he says must match the resilience and passion of the people of Oyo State.
Kareem, an educationist and former public servant, has in recent months taken his message beyond Nigeria’s borders, holding a series of “meet and greet” engagements with Oyo indigenes in Europe, Australia, and other parts of the world. These events, he says, have deepened his conviction that purposeful leadership must reflect the sacrifices and energy that ordinary citizens demonstrate daily.
Unity in Action
Recounting a pioneering campaign event held in Australia, Kareem described it as a turning point in his journey. According to him, the gathering was more than just a political rally — it was a demonstration of unity and genuine belief in a shared vision.
“There, amidst a diverse crowd of Oyo indigenes and Nigerians, I saw commitments that spoke of genuine love and a desire to make real change happen,” Kareem said. “People were volunteering hours to organise, sponsoring elements like venues and media, and mobilising communities across ethnic lines. It showed me the power of unity in action, where passion translates into progress.”
For Kareem, the event confirmed that his campaign is not a solitary effort but part of a larger story of hope for Oyo State.
Reflecting the People’s Energy
The aspirant often highlights the resilience of Nigerians as a source of inspiration. He argues that leadership in Oyo State must channel the same determination that citizens exhibit in their daily lives.
“I see it in the artisan who refines his craft over years to sustain a family, the entrepreneur who finds a way through economic hurdles to grow a business, and the professional who innovates to solve complex problems,” he noted. “This quiet determination drives Nigerians at home and abroad to excel despite obstacles, and it further spurs me to ensure that our leadership matches the same intensity they bring to their lives.”
Kareem insisted that future governance in Oyo State must not disappoint the people’s trust. “We cannot afford to fail the people in the future we promise them,” he declared.
Accountability as a Foundation
Kareem has also emphasized that his manifesto will be rooted in accountability and measurable results. He believes past governments have struggled not because of a lack of ideas but because of weak execution and poor follow-through.
“Efforts must be commensurate with results,” he said. “If people invest genuine effort and strategic commitment into an endeavour, the outcomes should follow. Where this balance is missing, initiatives falter, aspirations remain unfulfilled, and trust is eroded.”
For Oyo State, he added, this means building systems that guarantee delivery: “The people deserve leadership that turns resources into real advancements — better roads, improved schools, and jobs that create prosperity.”
Next Stop: London
Looking ahead, Kareem announced plans for a major town hall meeting in London this October, where he intends to share more details of his blueprint for Oyo’s future. He described the upcoming engagement as a chance to reinforce his campaign’s guiding principles of passion, purpose, and performance.
“My resolution is that these ideas will materialise into success, and it will be by design,” he explained. “Structured steps, clear timelines, and measured outcomes will align passion with performance. That is how we will build the Oyo State our people deserve.”
A Campaign Built on Trust
For Kareem, the dedication of supporters across continents is more than political enthusiasm — it is evidence of trust in his leadership and vision. He sees their sacrifices as a challenge to remain steadfast in delivering results.
“The enthusiasm I’ve witnessed goes beyond words. From the late-night calls coordinating logistics to the detailed spreadsheets mapping out plans, I know this is bigger than one individual,” he said. “It is about a collective resolve to shape a future where Oyo State leads with the excellence its people embody.”
As 2027 approaches, Kareem insists that his campaign is not simply about winning an election but about ensuring that the energy and hope of Oyo’s people are transformed into lasting progress.
“We must match people’s passion with purposeful leadership,” he concluded. “That is how Oyo State will rise to its true potential.”