Hon. Alhaji Ayoade Raimi Baale, a senatorial candidate on the Social Democratic Party (SDP) platform in Oyo South Senatorial District, has pledged to make the creation of Ibadan State a major priority if elected in the 2027 senatorial election.
Baale, a grassroots politician with decades of experience in Oyo State politics, made the commitment during a media chat in Ibadan, where he outlined his political background, aspirations and plans for the people of the senatorial district.
He said his first major project as a senator would be to mobilise support from lawmakers across the country for the creation of Ibadan State.
According to him, the agitation for restructuring and the creation of additional states should be pursued through constitutional means, adding that he would work with other lawmakers to advance the interests of Ibadan and Oyo State.
Baale said he would also support regionalism, describing it as part of the broader restructuring agenda that Nigeria has long been clamouring for.
He explained that restructuring should give states greater autonomy to manage their resources while contributing to the federation through an appropriate derivation arrangement.
He said, “Restructuring happens when states are given priority and autonomy to manage their resources,” adding that he would first advocate state autonomy at the National Assembly before pushing further for regional government.
On his political background, Baale said he had held several positions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including chairman of the party in Ibadan North-East Local Government and secretary for Oyo South Senatorial District.
He also recalled contesting for the Oyo State House of Assembly under the National Unity Social Democratic Party (NUSDP) in 1997.
Explaining his decision to contest the 2027 election, Baale said his aspiration was driven by a desire to contribute to governance and provide effective representation for his constituents.
He expressed confidence in the SDP’s ability to make an impact in the election, despite acknowledging that the party is currently less popular than some of the major political parties.
Baale said he had established political structures and supporters across his constituency through the Raimi Baale Group, which he said had helped mobilise people into elective positions.
“I have my people, I have well-wishers, I have supporters that wherever I go, they follow me. This is enough for me,” he said.
On whether he possessed the financial capacity to compete with more established politicians, including incumbent federal lawmakers, Baale said he had already fulfilled the financial requirements for his aspiration.
He said beyond paying the required nomination and party fees, he had also been funding sensitisation campaigns, posters and other forms of political mobilisation.
Baale also said he would support any economic policy that genuinely improved the lives of Nigerians, irrespective of who introduced it.
Speaking on the removal of fuel subsidy, he said his position would depend on whether a policy produced positive results for Nigerians.
“If I see that what he brings will ultimately impact positively on the lives of Nigerians, why will I not support him?” he said, while discussing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s position on fuel subsidy.
Baale, however, expressed doubts about Atiku’s chances of winning the 2027 presidential election and noted that the SDP would field Prince Dr Adebayo Adewole as its presidential candidate.
On the economic hardship confronting Nigerians, the SDP aspirant proposed stronger support for farmers and the provision of subsidised agricultural materials to residents.
He said states could develop intervention programmes to cushion the effects of inflation and help citizens remain economically productive.
Baale also said he had specific initiatives in mind to support vulnerable groups, including pregnant women requiring specialised medical care, as well as programmes to assist small businesses.
On the immediate needs of residents of Oyo South, he identified the construction of well-structured markets, additional hospitals, good roads and improved public orientation on the maintenance of government facilities.
He said effective representation should be measured by the ability of an elected representative to identify the needs of the people and pursue solutions to them.
Baale was accompanied at the media chat by the SDP Secretary-General, Hon. Ajibola Adeniji.
The senatorial candidate is expected to face other contenders in what is likely to be a competitive race for the Oyo South Senatorial District seat in the 2027 election.
