The lawmaker representing Yewa North/Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, has dismissed speculations that he is being pushed by the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, to contest the 2027 governorship election in Ogun State.
Isiaka, popularly known as GNI, said his decision to join the governorship race is based on personal conviction and commitment to the development of the state rather than pressure or endorsement from any political leader.
Speaking with journalists in Abeokuta at the weekend, the lawmaker explained that while consultations with leaders and stakeholders are part of the political process, it would be incorrect to suggest that anyone is pushing him into the race.
According to him, his political journey and past efforts in building political movements show clearly that he has always been driven by personal conviction and belief in the cause he pursues.
Isiaka recalled that his previous political engagements, including the movement that supported the African Democratic Congress during an earlier election cycle, were largely driven by him and his associates.
Isiaka said “I’m already in the fight in this race. Yes, I can have discussions with people and leaders about what is going to happen, but the word ‘being pushed’ can never happen. I have put so much into this process for me to be able to sit at most tables and discuss what needs to be done about this state.
“I think I am reasonably qualified to do that if and when the need arises. The people’s movement that we pushed into the ADC, which we used to run at that time, was solely motivated and pushed by me personally, of course with the support of my friends and colleagues.
“So there is no issue of anyone pushing me here. It is about doing something that I believe in and something I want to be part of, something that I believe needs to be done.
The lawmaker stressed that aspiring to lead a state like Ogun requires extensive consultations with political leaders and stakeholders across the state, noting that such engagements should not be misconstrued as evidence of external influence.
He equally warned against any attempt to create the impression that the governorship contest had already been decided in favour of a particular individual, stressing that democracy requires open competition.
His words “Of course, no one can make himself the governor of a state, particularly a state like Ogun. You need to talk to leaders, you need to talk to so many people. I have done countless meet-and-greet engagements because that is what the process requires.
“It is all about discussions, and I can have as many of them as possible, but that still has nothing to do with being pushed. One of the things that some of us will try to resist is a situation where it will be assumed that the field has been colonized or taken over by one person and nobody is there to challenge that person.
“That would not go down well with some of us. We will resist that with everything we have because the democratic process must remain open,” he said.
Isiaka further expressed confidence in his qualifications and readiness for the task, insisting that when all the necessary factors are considered, he stands out among potential contenders.
The lawmaker also maintained that his ambition is rooted in a desire to contribute meaningfully to the future of the state, adding that history often asks what individuals did when they had the opportunity to act.
“In terms of quality, in terms of knowledge, in terms of financial capacity and in terms of general exposure and experience, when you put all the factors together, I believe I stand strong. If there is anything that could be described as a miracle in the political process of 2027, then I would say it is my candidacy,” he stated.
