The lawmaker representing Yewa North/Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency in Ogun State, Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, on Sunday dismissed claims that he was being pressured by political associates to join the 2027 governorship race, insisting that his ambition is self-driven.
Isiaka, a three-time governorship candidate and Chairman, House Committee on National Planning and Economic Development, spoke during a media briefing in Abeokuta.
The former governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress in 2019 said it would be unfair to suggest that he was being pushed into the race, given his long-standing involvement in the state’s political landscape.
“After running elections three times, including under a relatively unknown party, it would not be fair for anyone to say I am being pushed,” he said.
He added that his participation in the political process over the years had earned him the experience and credibility to engage stakeholders on the future of the state.
“I have put in so much into this process to be able to sit at most tables and discuss what needs to be done. I am reasonably qualified to do that if the need arises,” he stated.
Isiaka stressed that while consultations with political leaders were ongoing, they were part of the democratic process and not evidence of external pressure.
According to him, “There is nothing about being pushed. This is about something I believe in and want to be part of, even from a legacy point of view.”
The lawmaker also warned against attempts to impose a sole candidate on the state, saying such a move would be resisted.
“One of the things some of us will resist is a situation where it is assumed that the field has been taken over by one person and nobody can challenge that. That will not go down well,” he said.
He maintained that every aspirant should be given a fair opportunity to contest, regardless of their perceived chances of success.
“Even if someone has just a 10 per cent chance, why deny them the opportunity? The goal is to produce a governor acceptable to the people,” he added.
Isiaka noted that political outcomes are shaped by consultations and consensus, urging party leaders to allow a transparent and inclusive process.
“The best leaders can do is to encourage all aspirants and ask everyone to support whoever emerges. Preventing people from running will only create problems,” he said.
On governance, the lawmaker raised concerns over flaws in Nigeria’s budgeting system, calling for urgent reforms to address what he described as persistent abuses.
He said the current “envelope system,” introduced during the tenure of former Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, had outlived its usefulness and required review.
“The budget system has its imperfections. That is why we are pushing for reforms through a national workshop and legislative measures to reduce abuses,” he stated.
Isiaka further downplayed the impact of recent political endorsements favouring other aspirants, insisting that such developments would not deter his ambition.
“I may not be happy about it, but it is of no consequence. Politics is dynamic, and we understand what is happening,” he said.
Reaffirming his confidence, the lawmaker said his political track record, including polling over 100,000 votes in previous elections without the backing of major political structures, demonstrated his viability.
“I am in this race based on competence, knowledge and experience, not religion or regional sentiment,” he added.
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