As
the 2027 Ogun State gubernatorial election approaches, political
discussions are heating up, with several technocrats emerging as
potential dark horses.
These individuals, known for their
expertise, innovation, and leadership in their respective fields, could
shake up the race with their fresh perspectives and proven track
records.
1. Bosun Tijani: The Tech Visionary
Dr.
Olatunbosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation,
and Digital Economy, is a name synonymous with technological advancement
and youth empowerment.
A native of Abeokuta, Ogun State,
Tijani’s roots in the state give him a strong connection to its people.
His journey from founding CcHUB (Co-Creation Hub), a leading tech
innovation hub in Africa, to his current ministerial role showcases his
ability to drive transformative change.
With a PhD in Innovation
and Economic Development from the University of Leicester, Tijani brings
a blend of global expertise and local insight. His focus on digital
economy growth could appeal to Ogun’s youth and tech-savvy electorate,
positioning him as a formidable dark horse in 2027.
2. Oluyemi Oloyede: The Corporate Innovator
Oluyemi
Oloyede, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s corporate landscape, serves as
the Managing Director of UAC Foods, a subsidiary of UAC of Nigeria Plc.
Oloyede has built a reputation for strategic leadership and business
acumen. His work at UAC Foods has focused on driving growth in one of
Nigeria’s leading food and beverage companies, overseeing iconic brands
that resonate with households across the country.
Oloyede’s
potential candidacy is bolstered by his deep understanding of economic
challenges and opportunities in Ogun State, a hub for industrial and
commercial activities. His experience in managing large-scale operations
and navigating complex market dynamics could translate into effective
governance.
Additionally, Oloyede’s low-key yet influential
presence, combined with his ability to connect with diverse
stakeholders, makes him a wildcard candidate who could appeal to voters
seeking a pragmatic, business-oriented leader.
For years, his
political family have pushed for him to run, but he has kept his focus
firmly on his career, but his continual corporate success and visibility
position him as a technocrat to watch in 2027, if he finally yields to
the call.
3. Dr. Biodun Collins Ogundipe: The Academic and Innovation Strategist
Biodun
Collins Ogundipe (PhD) is a Nigerian Aerospace Engineer, AI Expert,
Technologist, and Social Innovator with experience in scientific
computing, machine learning (ML), application development, robotics, and
industrial applications. An authority in Artificial Intelligence (AI)
and Machine Learning, Dr BCO, as
he is fondly called, is multi-lingual with proven leadership accomplishments across professional, business, and
political spheres.
His
adventures into politics as a Student Union Leader in OAU put him in
better stead to do more on a bigger platform. So, it was during the
Gubernatorial elections in 2003 that he was saddled with election
monitoring, campaign organizations, and INEC rule implementations, a
task he did to commendable satisfaction. Even as he hustled his way
through School in Canada and Ukraine, he kept in touch with local
politics and frequently financed or provided insights into political
ventures in Abeokuta, his hometown.
His potential candidacy could
resonate with voters looking for a leader who combines intellectual
rigour with a forward-thinking approach to development. While he may not
yet have the public profile of other contenders, his expertise in
leveraging technology for practical solutions could make him a strong
contender in Ogun State’s increasingly dynamic political landscape.
Also, his ability to speak Chinese fluently could give him an edge as a
mediator between the state and the Chinese investors seeking to do
business in Nigeria.
Why These Technocrats Matter
Ogun
State, with its industrial hubs, agricultural potential, and growing
youth population, demands leaders who can harness innovation, economic
expertise, and global perspectives.
Bosun Tijani’s tech-driven
vision, Oluyemi Oloyede’s corporate leadership, and Dr. Biodun Collins
Ogundipe’s innovative approach position them as technocrats capable of
addressing these needs.
As dark horses, they may not be the
loudest names in the race yet, but their credentials and potential to
disrupt the status quo make them figures to watch in 2027, especially if
they are backed by one of the various powerful political families in
the state, with others adopting them also as compromise candidates
instead of career politicians.
As the political landscape
evolves, these technocrats could shift the narrative, offering Ogun
State voters a blend of competence, innovation, and fresh leadership.
Whether they choose to step into the ring, their profiles signal a new
era of governance possibilities for Ogun State.
Disclaimer:
The potential candidacy of these individuals is speculative and based
on their professional achievements and public profiles. No official
declarations of intent for the 2027 Ogun gubernatorial race have been
confirmed at the time of writing.
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