As the 2027 governorship race in Oyo State slowly takes shape, one name that continues to spark debate and curiosity is Oriyomi Hamzat. Known more for his commanding presence on radio than for partisan politics, Hamzat’s growing political ambition raises a central question: could a media personality with deep grassroots appeal upstage traditional political actors in Oyo State?
Oriyomi Hamzat is not a conventional aspirant. As a popular broadcaster on Agidigbo FM, he commands a loyal and emotionally invested audience. Over the years, his radio programmes have evolved beyond entertainment, becoming platforms for advocacy, community mobilisation, and social intervention. This influence is most visible during critical moments, when crowds frequently besiege the Agidigbo FM premises, drawn by his voice, his messaging, and the sense of belonging he creates among listeners.
His popularity is further amplified by his annual Christmas outreach events, which consistently draw massive crowds. These gatherings, often targeted at the poor and vulnerable, have reinforced his image as a man of the people. However, they have also brought controversy. About five years ago, a Christmas giveaway event linked to his humanitarian efforts ended in a tragic stampede that resulted in the deaths of some children. Hamzat was arrested in connection with the incident, a development that marked a difficult chapter in his public life. While the tragedy remains a sensitive issue, it also highlights the scale of his influence and the intense public response his activities generate.
Against this backdrop, Hamzat’s decision to signal his governorship ambition under the Accord Party is significant. In a political landscape dominated by major parties, choosing Accord suggests a strategy built less on party machinery and more on personal followership. It reflects confidence that his grassroots support can translate into votes, even without the backing of Nigeria’s dominant political structures.
That confidence appeared evident at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, where Hamzat’s political outing attracted a sizeable crowd. The turnout served as a visual reminder of his mobilising power and sent a clear message to the political establishment: Oriyomi Hamzat is not merely testing the waters; he is positioning himself as a serious contender.
Still, popularity does not always equal electability. Governance requires structure, policy depth, statewide alliances, and the ability to convert emotional support into disciplined political organisation. Questions remain about Hamzat’s political experience, his policy agenda, and whether his influence can extend beyond his core audience to the broader and more diverse electorate of Oyo State.
Yet, Nigerian politics has increasingly shown that outsider candidates with strong grassroots connections can disrupt established calculations. If voter frustration with traditional politicians deepens, figures like Oriyomi Hamzat may find fertile ground to convert public goodwill into political momentum.
Whether he ultimately becomes a game-changer or a symbolic challenger, one thing is clear: Oriyomi Hamzat has already altered the conversation around the 2027 Oyo governorship race. His entry injects unpredictability, energises grassroots political engagement, and forces established players to reckon with the power of media-driven popularity in modern Nigerian politics. The coming months will reveal whether this momentum can mature into a genuine surprise upstage—or remain a compelling but incomplete political moment.
