The race for the 2027 gubernatorial ticket of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Oyo State formally expanded on Thursday as Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem, popularly known as AKK, obtained his Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja.
Dr. Kolapo Kareem’s declaration marked his official entry into the contest to succeed the incumbent governor, setting the stage for what party stakeholders anticipate will be a policy-driven primary election.
Accompanied by supporters, political associates, and party faithful, Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem completed all required documentation before addressing journalists.
In his first statement after picking the forms, he outlined the philosophy driving his aspiration.
“Objectively I’m the best among others. I am not running against an individual, I am running for the future of Oyo State. I’m coming into the race with what’s called Evidence-Based Policy.”
He emphasized that his administration, if elected, would prioritize data-driven governance, measurable outcomes, and inclusive development across all zones of Oyo State.
“Governance must move from guesswork to precision. From job creation to infrastructure, from security to education, every decision must be backed by evidence,” AKK stated.
Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem is a distinguished educator, Islamic scholar, and philanthropist with over 25 years of teaching experience across Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem holds a PhD in Mathematics Education, a Master of Leadership and Management in Education from The University of Newcastle, Australia, and a Professional Graduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching Mathematics from the University of Strathclyde, Scotland.
Renowned for his dedication to education, he has taught Mathematics at prestigious institutions, mentored student teachers, and shared his expertise globally in behavior management and lesson planning.
He is also an entrepreneur and founder of Attaofeequ Billahi International School (ABIS) and Attaofeequ Billahi (AB Farm), through which he has advanced quality education and agricultural enterprise in Oyo State.
Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem explained that evidence-based policy will define his approach to governance. The model, he said, ensures that public resources are allocated based on research, statistics, and impact assessment rather than political expediency.
“Our roads must be built where data shows economic activity. Our schools must be equipped based on learning outcomes. Our farms must be funded where yield data proves viability. That is the future Oyo deserves,” he told reporters.
Officials at the APC National Secretariat welcomed Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem’s declaration, describing it as a boost to the quality of aspirants seeking the party’s ticket.
A senior party official said, “The APC is committed to presenting the best candidate to the people of Oyo State. Aspirants with international exposure, academic depth, and grassroots impact like Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem strengthen our internal democracy. The primary will be free and fair.”
Supporters at the secretariat described AKK as “a scholar in politics” and “a unifier with a global perspective and local understanding.”
The engagements will feed into The Oyo Futures Document, a comprehensive governance blueprint for 2027–2035 that will detail AKK’s plans for education reform, agro-industrial growth, infrastructure renewal, security architecture, healthcare delivery, and youth employment.
By declaring that he is “objectively the best among others” and framing his ambition around “the future of Oyo State,” Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem has signaled that the APC primary will be shaped by credentials, competence, and policy clarity.
Political analysts say his 20-year international teaching experience, academic qualifications, and entrepreneurship record introduce a distinct profile into the race, potentially appealing to delegates and voters seeking a technocrat with global exposure.
The APC is expected to publish its primary election timetable in line with INEC guidelines shortly.
With his nomination forms now secured, Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem has formally commenced his bid for the 2027 Oyo State governorship under the APC.
His Evidence-Based Policy agenda and declaration to run “for the future of Oyo State”_ have now been tabled before the party and the electorate.
Credit: naijatodaynew.com
