In this exclusive online nterview with WesternLifeNewsNG, Aare Olayinka Segelu, a seasoned businessman, politician and gubernatorial aspirant for the 2027 Oyo State elections delves into his political journey, his enduring loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party, and the influence of his late father, a renowned politician, on his political career.
He also discussed his admiration for Governor Seyi Makinde’s leadership style, his plans to build on the governor’s achievements, and his vision for Oyo State’s development. From infrastructure upgrades to economic revitalization, he shares his priorities for transforming the state while fostering unity within the PDP.
Can you tell us about your journey into politics and what motivated you pitching in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)?
My journey into politics began at a tender age, but full participation in political activities started twenty-three years ago. I was the Coordinator for the 2002/2003 Ladoja/Akala gubernatorial campaign at The Polytechnic Ibadan Chapter, where I was a student at that time. I joined the PDP in the year 2000 as a party-carrying member (Twenty-Five years now). As you may recall, my late father, Hon. Chief, Dr. Olusegun Moses Akintola Oladimeji Segelu, was the first executive State Chairman of the PDP in Oyo State, so I was raised in a political home.
Therefore, my motivation and encouragement for joining the PDP stemmed from the fact that my father had pitched his tent with the party in the build-up to the elections and activities that finally led to the return of our dear country Nigeria to the practice of democracy in 1999. I followed him very closely on matters of politics as a growing up child and could not but align with him upon attaining the age at which I was old enough for full political participation. The political life of my late father was a great source of inspiration. And so, I could not but do otherwise to join the party he belongs to get the necessary political tutelage from him beside the parental guidance. The values he inculcated in me while I trend with him in the political circle are what I have continued to apply in my active involvement in politics long after his demise almost 20 years ago. My father died as a member of the House of Representatives in the National Assembly on the platform of PDP while I was working with him as a legislative aide. And I have remained a consistent, loyal and faithful member of the party.
As a businessman, how do you think your experience in the private sector has shaped your approach to governance and public service?
My business background has taught me the importance of strategic planning, accountability, and resource management, which I believe are crucial for effective governance. Anyone who has had the privilege of spending years near the top echelon of leadership—both in private and public sectors—understands when and where they can best serve their beliefs.
You’ve been a strong supporter of Governor Seyi Makinde. What do you think has been his greatest achievement in office so far?
Yes, I have always been a very strong supporter of our amiable governor, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde because I believe in his capacity to perform and deliver the dividends of democracy to the people. And from all indications, he has not disappointed the people of Oyo State since he became the captain of the state’s Ship. Because of my conviction and strong belief in his ability to lift Oyo State to greater heights, I supported him by branding and donating an 18-passenger Hiace bus for his 2019 Omituntun 1.0 campaign. Though some of the close leaders from that time are no longer with us, I remember them fondly. May the souls of former Oyo State House of Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Kehinde Ayoola JP and former Oyo State PDP Secretary Hon. Tunde Olayiwola rest in peace. Chief Oyebisi Ilaka and Chief Dare Adeleke are both aware of my contributions then, which were also widely reported in various news outlets. For Omituntun 2.0, I also branded two vehicles for the Governor’s second term campaign, covering all campaign activities across Oyo State. I have never regretted my decision to support the governor because I admire his commitment to infrastructure, education, economic growth, and proactive healthcare approaches, which have greatly benefited the people. If I am to speak and elaborate extensively on the achievements of our able, dynamic and performing governor, a book publication will be required to do that.
However, if you asked me, I would say that some of the key remarkable feats of the governor that has evidently placed Oyo State on the pedestal of development and transformation include: Entrenchment of a new era of transparency and accountability in governance; Implementation of a free education policy, providing support to thousands of students; Revitalization of the healthcare sector through the renovation of hospitals and provision of modern equipment; Construction of roads and infrastructure projects connecting towns and cities across the state; Promotion of economic development through the establishment of agribusiness zones and supporting small and medium-scale enterprises and Expansion of the state as a standard economic hub for investors, among other initiatives.
What aspects of Governor Makinde’s leadership style resonate most with you, and how do you plan to carry that forward in your gubernatorial campaign?
His inclusive leadership style and focus on people-centered policies inspire me a lot. I plan to carry this approach forward by prioritizing community engagement and transparency in my gubernatorial campaign. Makinde’s leadership style of putting the people first in all his action plans and policy formulation and implementation has been quite impressive. Frankly speaking, any leader at any level that wants to record significant progress and success in whatever office he or she occupies, must endeavour to follow the footstep of Governor Makinde in the adoption of the people-first or human centric approach to governance.
What are the top priorities you aim to address as a gubernatorial aspirant for the 2027 general election in Oyo State?
My key priorities include education reform, job creation, healthcare improvements, road maintenance, agriculture, and sustainable infrastructure development. I will come up with innovative policies, programmes and projects to build on the laudable achievements of His Excellency, in these areas and sectors for the betterment of the good and wonderful people of Oyo State. At the end of his second term in 2027, Governor Makinde-led administration would have laid a very solid foundation for whoever that will be taking over from him. And if by the grace of God Almighty, I happen to be that man, I certainly won’t derail from the path and track of development already put in place by our dear governor.
Oyo State has faced some economic challenges in recent years. What strategies do you propose to tackle unemployment and boost economic growth in the state?
Well, economic challenges are not peculiar to Oyo State. Nigeria as a whole has been faced with serious economic challenges and every state is affected in one way or the other. On the strategies to tackle unemployment in Oyo State, I would want to say that to address unemployment, I propose enhancing vocational training programs, supporting small businesses, and attracting investment through favorable policies. Job creation initiatives should be designed to empower the unemployed through skills acquisition training. I believe that the government needs comprehensive intervention policies and programmes to address the issue of unemployment and enhance economic growth.
How do you intend to improve infrastructure and public services to enhance the quality of life for Oyo State indigenes if your ambition scales through?
By the special grace of God, if I become the governor of Oyo State, we will prioritize the construction and upgrading of roads, public transportation, and essential services, ensuring they effectively meet the needs of our residents. Adequate funding will be provided for infrastructure projects to ensure that the lives of the people of our state are positively and significantly affected. We will be committed to building partnerships that will enhance our capacity to deliver sustainable benefits to our people through infrastructural development.
What’s your view on the current political landscape in Oyo State, and what role do you see yourself playing in the future of the state’s governance?
The political landscape in Oyo State is dynamic. I see myself as a unifying figure who can bridge gaps and promote collaborative governance for progress. Should I become the governor of Oyo State in 2027, we will design and establish a governance model, framework and structure that will work best for the running of governmental affairs in a manner that will pave the way for economic growth and development. Standards will not be compromised, and the basic principles of good governance will be strictly upheld. We will strive to maintain and exhibit the Nolan Principles of Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty and Leadership. We will be guided by these principles to offer good governance and deliver the true dividends of democracy to the people of Oyo State.
As a leading member of the PDP in Oyo State, how do you plan to foster unity within the party and ensure a cohesive approach to the 2027 elections?
I plan to engage all party members in open dialogues, fostering mutual respect and collaboration to ensure a strong, united front for the 2027 elections.
What are your thoughts on collaborating with other political parties and stakeholders to ensure the progress of Oyo State?
I believe in constructive collaboration to align our goals for Oyo State. Working together on common issues can lead to sustainable progress. The focus, concern and interest of every political party in Oyo State should be how we can collectively work for the growth and development of the state and the betterment of the residents. If that is the primary aim and objective of all political parties, there should be no need for parties fighting one another. Any party that is fortunate to win election and find itself in power should be magnanimous in victory and do everything to carry all and sundry along regardless of the party they belong to. And also, any parties that lose in elections should accept defeat in good faith and move on. If you didn’t win today doesn’t mean you cannot win tomorrow. Therefore, losing parties shouldn’t see it that their role as opposition parties is to destabilize and cause needless distractions for the party in power. But rather they should see how they can work with the ruling party to promote peace, unity, harmony and development in the state, for the overall benefit of the citizens.
As a businessman and entrepreneur, how do you plan to integrate your business acumen into governance, especially when it comes to managing state resources efficiently and promoting sustainable growth?
I aim to apply the governmental experience and international exposure I’ve acquired to ensure efficient resource management and promote entrepreneurship for sustainable growth. Certainly, the experience I have garnered as a business entrepreneur will come to bear in my governance style if my dream and desire to govern Oyo State eventually come to fruition. Just like every reasonable and serious-minded businessman would always do, if I have the chance and opportunity of taking charge of the running of the affairs of Oyo State, I will ensure a judicious and prudent management of the state’s resources across all sectors. I have the right experience and insight to make this happen. I have over the years successfully managed several businesses and I know that the experience and knowledge I gathered in the process would be useful and helpful to me in the governance of Oyo State if I succeed in my 2027 guber aspiration.
If your ambition sails through in 2027, what legacy do you intend to leave behind for future generations of Oyo State residents?
I hope to leave a legacy of empowerment, transparency, and lasting change that builds a prosperous, united Oyo State for future generations. I will work tirelessly to leave a legacy of sound quality education and an improved healthcare system. I will do all I can to leave behind indelible marks of outstanding performance and monumental achievements in the areas of job creation, agriculture, tourism, commerce and industry. I would like to be remembered as a governor who came and left a positive and lasting impact on the people.
