How Oladele, Olaoluwa Are Shaping the Race for Oyo 2027

As the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State approaches, conversations are already heating up about who has the best chance of leading the state into a new era. While political parties and power blocs continue to position themselves behind closed doors, some individual aspirants are already making bold moves in the public space. Among them are Saheed Oladele and Olaoluwa Peter Abidemi, two men who are not only declaring their intentions but are also shaping their public image in ways that resonate with the people.

What makes their stories particularly interesting is how both are using philanthropy and social outreach as major parts of their public identity. In a time when many voters are disillusioned with traditional politics and are looking for leaders who can offer compassion, practical help, and vision, both aspirants have made visible efforts to align themselves with the needs of ordinary citizens.

Saheed Oladele: A Candidate with Strong Community Ties

Saheed Oladele has already managed to gather support from a wide range of respected individuals and groups across different sectors. His supporters include traditional rulers, such as the Olubadan of Ibadanland and Oba Adekunle Makama Oyelude, both of whom carry immense cultural authority. He also has the backing of religious youth organizations, alumni associations, and a diaspora group in Canada, showing that his appeal extends beyond local communities.

His connection to the widely respected “Helping the Needy” initiative has further strengthened his public image. This group is known for providing food, medical assistance, and other social services to those in need. In a state where poverty, unemployment, and inadequate healthcare continue to affect millions, being associated with a program that brings relief and hope is a strong point in his favor.

What sets Oladele apart is the diversity of people and institutions standing behind him. He has made efforts to be seen not just as a politician, but as someone who is deeply connected to the fabric of society. From community-based groups to religious and cultural institutions, his support base reflects a strategy that emphasizes inclusiveness and local relevance.

He also appears to be reaching beyond the Southwest. His association with the Emir of Daura, a traditional ruler from northern Nigeria, suggests a deliberate attempt to build relationships across regional lines. This could signal that he is thinking nationally, or at least showing that he can collaborate with stakeholders from different parts of the country.

However, one potential weakness in Oladele’s current setup is that his supporters appear to be directly connected to him, but not to each other. This could make coordination more difficult as his campaign grows. It means the burden of holding everything together may fall on his personal leadership and presence.

Olaoluwa Peter Abidemi: A Fresh Voice Focused on Compassion

In contrast, Olaoluwa Peter Abidemi has taken a more reserved but focused approach. At this point, the most visible part of his public identity is his alignment with the “Helping the Needy” initiative. Unlike Oladele, he does not appear to have secured endorsements from traditional leaders or multiple civic organizations. Yet his involvement in this humanitarian work sends a powerful message.

Abidemi may be presenting himself as a reformer or underdog who wants to break away from the usual political pattern. Instead of relying on long-standing networks or power brokers, he is choosing to let his acts of service speak for him. By focusing on helping the poor, he taps into the frustrations of many citizens who have grown tired of politicians who make promises but deliver little.

This minimalist strategy could work well with younger voters or those in urban areas who are looking for sincerity, honesty, and a new kind of politics. However, it also carries a risk. Without broader support from traditional institutions or visible engagement with different sectors of society, Abidemi might be seen as lacking the influence or resources to run a successful campaign.

To move from being seen as a compassionate figure to being recognized as a serious contender, Abidemi will likely need to expand his public engagements. Building relationships with community leaders, youth groups, market associations, and religious institutions could help strengthen his visibility and credibility.

Philanthropy as a Political Strategy

One thing that unites both aspirants is their decision to make humanitarian service a central part of their image. In a political environment where many citizens feel abandoned, this is more than just a branding choice. It is a reflection of what people now demand from those who want to lead them.

For both men, involvement in “Helping the Needy” is not only about charity. It sends a deeper message. It says, “I see you. I understand your struggles. And I am willing to do something about it.” This emotional connection could turn out to be more powerful than party loyalty or high-profile endorsements.

However, while kindness opens doors, political leadership also requires strategy, coordination, and the ability to build alliances. Oladele seems to understand this and has already built a web of relationships that span across institutions and communities. Abidemi’s approach, on the other hand, is rooted in values and empathy. If he can combine that authenticity with broader public engagement, he could evolve into a compelling candidate.