During my recent days in London, the consultations and engagements surrounding my aspiration for the governorship of Oyo State under the All Progressives Congress (APC) have proceeded with notable vigour. It was highlighted by a well-attended town hall meeting, book launch, and several productive sidelines sessions. This visit has proven highly effective, characterised by lively exchanges and endorsements that underscore the vitality of our diaspora connections.
 
I made a point to arrive ahead of schedule to initiate thoughtful discussions with Nigerians based there, many of whom maintain strong links to Oyo State. It laid the groundwork for dialogues that bridge distances. The standout elements were my visits to a Christian and a Muslim congregation, where I outlined my leadership aims and solicited their backing. It was really an encounter that energised me and set the stage for continued forward movement.
 
The essence of dialogue became further clearer to me through these exchanges. It is a key element in participatory democracy because it gives substance to concepts and promotes mutual comprehension, as well convert personal views into group initiatives. This prompted my early arrival in London to connect with Nigerians there and to aim for discussions that delved deeper than surface level. The church visit left me genuinely moved by the gracious welcome and backing received, it allowed me to detail my motivations for the candidacy: a focus on governance that benefits everyone, grounded in honesty and reverence for higher principles, which aligned with their expectations for an advancing Oyo State. These moments point to how dialogue can close divides and transform democracy from a framework into an active process.
 
Any nation aiming for advancement must find its base in the solid ideas and core principles of its leaders, and when those are sound, rational, balanced, forward-looking, and geared toward growth, the administrative system is equipped to prosper and expand. There is no doubt about that. These are the standards I presented during the visits. I sketched a path for Oyo State, which focuses on learning, link systems together, and has a safe atmosphere, all under moral guidance. The groups responded positively, their reactions showing agreement with our common goals for a state where each person plays a role in and gains from development. This shared outlook strengthened my view that strong leadership concepts can spark joint advancement.
 
The church visit, especially, reinforces my dedication to governance that includes all when in office. It is a method that welcomes every belief and viewpoint to advance collectively. Through direct interaction with the group, I illustrated that my leadership would emphasise partnership with varied beliefs to enhance rather than weaken, as well, crafting rules that aid all without (dis)regard to creed. In both the Christian and Muslim settings, I took the chance to present my book, I discussed the central ideas within its contents, and got several copies bought by interested attendees. I do believe that this was a concrete move toward creating the alliances required for a unified Oyo State.
 
The positive results of this London visit boost my expectations for future gatherings in United States, Canada and elsewhere. The eagerness I met here confirms that our overseas community is a crucial support for the revival of Oyo State, and I pledge to bring their views back. This path goes beyond a single person; it's a group drive for a state towards advancement and must touch all. I encourage everyone to participate in this effort, aware that united, we can secure the shift Oyo State requires.
 
Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK)
Oyo State APC Gubernatorial Aspirant
APC, PROGRESS!
Oyo 2027
AKK 2027
Governor 2027
AKK! Aseyori ni tiwa.
AKK!! Ajose Ajoje
AKK!!! A Task that must be done.
Thursday, October 23, 2025.