Hon. Bolanle Sarumi-Aliyu (BASA), entrepreneur, philanthropist, and former Oyo governorship aspirant, has declared her intention to contest the governorship seat again in 2027, promising to restore dignity to ordinary citizens, empower youths, and dismantle money politics in the state.
In an exclusive interview with Ibadancity Announcer, BASA confirmed that her campaign machinery is already in motion. “BASA 2027 is alive. I will never give up because of the young people who need an enabling environment, pensioners who are hawking on the streets to survive, and our children in public schools learning under leaking roofs. I am running for them,” she declared.
She criticized the current political culture of godfatherism and financial dominance, saying governance should be about service, not wealth. “Right now, if you don’t have ₦5 billion or ₦10 billion, you can’t dream of running. I will squash that money politics.” she emphasized.
Her vision for Oyo State, she said, is to return power to the people by creating mechanisms for direct accountability. Drawing from her experience in the United Kingdom, she argued that citizens should be able to confront leaders who fail on their promises. “In my mother’s country, if politicians don’t deliver, the people force them to resign. That’s the kind of power I want Oyo citizens to have. No more unfulfilled promises,” she vowed.
BASA also used the platform to call on women and youths to become active participants in politics rather than spectators. She noted that women face what she calls the “3Fs” in politics – Fear, Finance, and Frivolous offers, but stressed that these barriers must be broken.
“Women are the ones raising children, yet the system that denies our children opportunities is the same system we shy away from. We must enter politics, join parties, and become decision-makers. If you don’t join, they will keep fielding the wrong candidates,” she warned.
According to her, the ADC has already committed to implementing the 35% affirmative action for women and youths, setting it apart from the ruling PDP and APC. “We have signed an agreement in ADC. We are serious about giving women and youths their rightful space,” she said.
On her long-term dream for Oyo State, BASA stressed inclusivity and social justice. “I want an Oyo State where no child studies in classrooms with broken roofs, where pensioners live in dignity, and where no citizen is forced to beg politicians for survival. That’s the future I see, and that’s why I’m not giving up on 2027,” she concluded.
