AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
A former presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Prof. Oluwamuyiwa Favour Ayodele, popularly known as The Carpenter, has declared that Nigeria is presently suffering the consequences of its electoral choices, stressing that the 2027 polls offer citizens an opportunity to redirect the country’s fortunes.
Prof. Ayodele made the remarks during a media briefing held at the Governor’s Apartment Omole Estate Phase 1 Ojodu Berger Lagos, where he formally announced his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, marking his third attempt since 2019. Addressing an enthusiastic gathering, he declared, “Time for Favour has come.”
He said recent events in Nigeria and around the world have shown that elections carry direct implications for national welfare. According to him, “If we learned something globally within the last two years, it is that elections have consequences and who you vote into public office matters.”
Ayodele stated that Nigeria’s current difficulties, ranging from economic strain to security challenges, reflect past electoral choices. He stressed that governance is no longer abstract, as governmental decisions now directly impact livelihoods, freedoms, security, health and social wellbeing.
He urged Nigerians to approach the coming election cycle with seriousness, beginning with what he described as four pillars: individual responsibility, intentional patriotism, diligence and integrity.
“Your vote is your voice. To cast your vote for any person without first carrying out research on that person is the same as joining a bus without first finding out where it is going,” he said.
Flanked by his wife, Ghanaian-born Helen Aduwa, Prof. Ayodele lamented that the nation had endured “terrible times” due to failed leadership, recycled politicians, outdated ideas and weak political will.
He urged Nigerians to reject “political jailers” and support credible, visionary leaders who are offering themselves for public office. “If you don’t help credible leaders get into office, money bags will continue to dominate, and they will not have regard for you because they believe they bought the office,” he warned.
Declaring himself a representative of Nigeria’s youthful demographic, Ayodele noted that many countries have successfully elected young presidents, citing Senegal, Finland, Chile, New Zealand and El Salvador. He dismissed concerns about competing with wealthy political actors, insisting that collective citizens’ power outweighs moneyed interests.
“We the people are more powerful than people in power,” he said.
Prof. Ayodele also outlined his proposed policy direction if elected president. His administration, he said, aims to “open the country’s economic channels for global business” and prepare the next generation for productive impact. The vision, he added, is to lift Nigeria from its negative global labels to a position of dignity, prosperity and international respect.
He encapsulated his central agenda as the G.E.T Mandate, Governance, Electricity and Transformation, which he described as the backbone of national revival. His government, he said, will prioritize macroeconomic stability, food security, industrialization, healthcare, territorial integrity and investment-driven growth.
Ayodele diagnosed the Nigerian crisis as “Leadership Immune Deficiency (LID),” a condition he said has weakened the potency of governance. He argued that only a bold leadership paradigm shift and strategic interventions can reverse the consequences of corruption, insecurity, poor economic management and political disunity.
He emphasized the need for stronger institutions, respect for citizens’ rights and better management of national resources. “We have the human resources, intellectual property, technology and now the will to pursue the vision to completion,” he said.
Earlier in her remarks, architect Olufunke Olunloyo, daughter of former Oyo State Governor, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, underscored the need for Nigerians to become more politically conscious ahead of 2027. She warned against docility, urging citizens to be bold, discerning and actively involved in shaping the nation’s direction.
Drawing from the biblical story of Esau and Jacob, she stressed that politics is inherent in human nature and that those who ignore it risk being manipulated by “the greedy lot who are currently calling the shot.” Olunloyo, called for courage, creativity and optimism as Nigeria approaches another election cycle.
With electioneering activities gradually gathering momentum, Ayodele’s declaration adds to the growing conversation around leadership renewal, voter responsibility and the urgency to steer Nigeria away from the consequences of its past political decisions.
