Meet Hazeem Gbolarumi, PDP Governorship Candidate and Veteran Politician
ByTolulope
Barrister Hazeem Gbolarumi is one of Oyo State’s most experienced politicians, with a political career spanning more than four decades. From grassroots mobilization in the late 1970s to serving as Deputy Governor of Oyo State and emerging as the PDP governorship candidate in 2026, his political journey reflects deep involvement in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
Early Political Involvement
Gbolarumi began his political journey in 1979 during the era of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), marking the beginning of his long-standing engagement in Nigerian politics.
In 1991, he served as Municipal Secretary of the Old Ibadan Municipal Government, contributing to local governance during a period of administrative restructuring.
By 1993, he became State Secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), further establishing his presence within party administration and political organization at the state level.
Following Nigeria’s transition into the Fourth Republic, Gbolarumi became a key figure within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State.
He served as PDP State Chairman and also held the role of Link Man/Coordinator, playing a strategic role in party structure, mobilization, and grassroots coordination.
His influence grew significantly during the administration of Governor Rashidi Ladoja, where he played an important role in strengthening the party’s political base across the state.
Deputy Governor of Oyo State
In 2006, Gbolarumi was selected as running mate to Governor Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala and subsequently became Deputy Governor of Oyo State.
His tenure placed him at the center of state governance, policy execution, and administrative leadership in one of Nigeria’s most politically active states.
Public Service and Leadership Roles
Beyond elective office, Gbolarumi has held several notable appointments in public administration and institutional governance.
Between 2009 and 2011, he served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Federal Medical Centre, Ido-Ekiti.
His involvement in governance structures and public institutions reflects a long-standing commitment to leadership and service delivery.
Awards and Recognition
Over the course of his political and public service career, Gbolarumi has received numerous awards and recognitions from educational institutions, professional bodies, media organizations, and civic groups.
Some of these include:
• Award of Excellence from the Ibadan Descendants Union (USA)
• Award of Excellence from the Students’ Union Government (SUG), The Polytechnic Ibadan
• Grand Patron, Federation of Oyo State Students Union (FOSSU), The Polytechnic Ibadan
• Patron, School of Arts and Social Sciences, Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo
• Patron, Federation of Ibadan Students’ Union
• Award of Excellence (Outstanding Political Actor) from The Kenad Communication Network
• Oyo State Civil Service Merit Awardee (2006)
• Hamir Hajj Recognition, Oyo State (2006)
• Grand Patron, Nigeria Union of Journalists (Information Chapel) (2006)
• Patron, Obafemi Awolowo Hall, University of Ibadan
• Pillar of Support Award, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC)
• The Mayor of Democracy Award by Golden Pictures Communications Ltd.
• Political Icon of the Year (2008), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council
• Grand Patron, National Union of Barbers, Oyo State
These recognitions reflect his contributions to governance, political development, youth engagement, community service, and public leadership across Oyo State and beyond.
Emergence as PDP Governorship Candidate
In May 2026, Gbolarumi emerged as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2027 Oyo State gubernatorial election.
He secured a decisive victory at the party primaries, polling 3,615 votes across all 33 local government areas of the state, defeating his opponent, Barrister Beulah Adeoye, who polled 22 votes.
His emergence reaffirmed his influence within the PDP and positioned him as one of the key contenders in the forthcoming gubernatorial race.
Following his emergence, Gbolarumi has begun outlining a political agenda focused on humanitarian development, social welfare, and justice reform.
His proposed initiatives include support for indigent inmates, poverty reduction programs, human rights advocacy, and broader socio-economic empowerment frameworks for vulnerable groups in Oyo State.
With decades of political experience, deep party structures, and a long record of public service, Hazeem Gbolarumi enters the 2027 governorship race as one of the most experienced contenders in Oyo State politics.
His journey from grassroots political engagement to Deputy Governor and now governorship candidate underscores a career defined by persistence, influence, and sustained participation in Nigeria’s democratic process.
