Barrister Hazeem Gbolarumi, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2027 Oyo State election, has unveiled a humanitarian and justice-focused agenda aimed at tackling poverty, prison congestion and human rights concerns across the state.

The former Deputy Governor of Oyo State said his vision for the state is anchored on building a more inclusive society where social welfare policies and the justice system work together to support vulnerable citizens and improve access to opportunities.

A key component of his proposed agenda is the provision of legal and social support for indigent inmates, particularly those unable to afford legal representation or secure bail. He also pledged to strengthen human rights protection mechanisms and promote the rehabilitation and reintegration of vulnerable persons within correctional facilities.

According to Gbolarumi, poverty reduction will remain a central pillar of his administration if elected, with interventions targeted at supporting low-income families, expanding economic opportunities and improving access to essential social services.

The PDP candidate said the proposed reforms form part of a broader governance blueprint designed to address social inequality and improve the welfare of residents across Oyo State.

Gbolarumi’s policy direction comes against the backdrop of a career spanning public service, law, business and politics.

Born in Ibadan in 1957, he began his professional career in administrative service at the University of Ibadan before venturing into entrepreneurship, where he established businesses in agriculture, media and enterprise development.

He later studied law at the University of Ibadan and obtained a Master of Laws degree in the United Kingdom, further strengthening his credentials in governance and public administration.

His political career spans more than four decades, dating back to 1979. Over the years, he has served as Municipal Secretary in Ibadan, State Secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and a prominent figure within the PDP in Oyo State.

Gbolarumi rose to greater prominence in 2006 when he became Deputy Governor of Oyo State, serving alongside the late Adebayo Alao-Akala. He also served as Chairman of the Board of the Federal Medical Centre, Ido-Ekiti.

In May 2026, Gbolarumi emerged as the PDP governorship candidate for the 2027 election after securing a landslide victory in the party’s primary election. He polled 3,615 votes across the state’s 33 local government areas, defeating Barrister Beulah Adeoye, who scored 22 votes.

Following his emergence, he has intensified consultations with party leaders, stakeholders and supporters, while calling for unity ahead of the governorship election.

With the race for the Oyo governorship gathering momentum, Gbolarumi is positioning himself as a candidate focused on social justice, poverty alleviation and institutional reforms.

His campaign message centres on leveraging his experience in public service and politics to address systemic challenges, strengthen governance institutions and improve the welfare of the people of Oyo State ahead of the 2027 polls.