A coalition of political enthusiasts under the aegis of the Oyo Stakeholders Forum (OSF) has endorsed the candidacy of the current Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Sir Zacch Adedeji, for the 2027 gubernatorial election in Oyo State.
The group also made a passionate appeal to the residents of Oyo State, urging them to prepare early and rally support for Dr. Adedeji, whom they described as the ideal candidate with the requisite capabilities to further transform the state.
The forum commended Dr. Adedeji’s transformative leadership at FIRS, emphasizing his proven ability to deliver economic progress and accountability—qualities they believe are essential for unlocking Oyo State’s immense potential.
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, the Convener of the Forum, Elder Jelili Akande, said:
“Dr. Adedeji’s tenure as FIRS Chairman has been marked by innovation, transparency, and a focus on results. Under his stewardship, Nigeria’s tax administration system has undergone unprecedented reforms, leveraging technology to streamline processes, increase compliance, and boost revenue generation. The OSF believes these achievements serve as a blueprint for transforming Oyo State into a model of economic self-reliance.”
“Oyo State needs a visionary leader who understands how to create wealth and ensure its equitable distribution,” an OSF representative remarked. “Dr. Adedeji has demonstrated this capability at the federal level, and we are confident he can replicate this success in our state.”
The forum further highlighted Oyo State’s overreliance on federal allocations as a significant obstacle to sustainable development. Despite its abundant resources and industrious population, the state struggles with revenue generation, limiting its capacity to fund critical projects. According to the forum, Dr. Adedeji’s expertise in maximizing internally generated revenue (IGR) offers a sustainable solution to this longstanding challenge.
“By modernizing Oyo’s tax administration system, Dr. Adedeji envisions a transparent, technology-driven framework that will expand the tax base and reduce leakages. His approach prioritizes fairness and inclusivity, ensuring that every taxable entity contributes to the state’s growth while making compliance seamless for businesses and individuals alike,” Akande said.
At the heart of Dr. Adedeji’s vision for Oyo State is a commitment to transparency and accountability. According to Akande, his leadership at FIRS introduced systems that allowed taxpayers to track how their contributions were utilized—an innovation that restored public trust and encouraged voluntary compliance.
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“He plans to bring this same level of accountability to Oyo State, ensuring that every kobo collected is spent on projects that directly benefit residents. Investments in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and job creation will take center stage, with a clear focus on improving the quality of life for all Oyo residents,” Akande added.
Oyo State, the forum noted, is uniquely positioned to become an economic powerhouse in Nigeria, given its vast agricultural resources, emerging industrial hubs, and strategic location. Dr. Adedeji’s plan involves harnessing these opportunities by creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
“By fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, Dr. Adedeji aims to drive job creation, boost productivity, and significantly increase the state’s revenue base. He envisions channeling increased revenue into developing critical infrastructure such as roads, schools, hospitals, and water supply systems—projects that directly impact residents’ daily lives. These developments will not only enhance living standards but also make the state more attractive to investors,” Akande said.
The OSF concluded by calling for broad support for Dr. Adedeji’s potential candidacy.
“His achievements at FIRS have earned him widespread respect and admiration, positioning him as a frontrunner in the race for Oyo’s leadership. The forum urges residents to seize this opportunity to elect a leader who combines vision, expertise, and integrity.”
“This is not just about winning an election; it’s about redefining the future of our state,” the OSF representative remarked. “Dr. Adedeji has the track record and vision to transform Oyo into a state we can all be proud of.”
