From Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure
A professor of mathematics based in the United States of America, Rafiu Durodoye, has signified his intention to contest the 2026 governorship election in Osun State under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Prof Durodoye, who teaches at Dallas College in the USA, hails from Osogbo, the state capital.
The governorship hopeful, accompanied by his supporters from different parts of the state, recently met with members of the State Working Committee of the party, where he expressed his intention to contest the governorship election.
At the meeting, Prof Durodoye said his intention to contest the election was to contribute his knowledge to the growth and development of the state.
He said his over 37 years of experience in academia in the United States of America would be of great advantage to the state if he became the next governor and therefore sought the support of all members of the party for the realisation of his dreams.
The don promised to focus on education and quality healthcare delivery if elected governor of the state.
Durodoye expressed hope that the APC would provide a platform for him to contest the election, even as he expressed optimism that he would win the election if presented as the party’s candidate.
He said: “I have over 37 years’ experience as a lecturer in the United States of America. At this point in my life, I have to contribute my quota to the development of Osun State, and that is why I want to donate my knowledge, experience, and wealth to the development of our youth because many of our youths have no future, no mission, no goal, and it is very sad.
“So I have to donate everything that I have in order to make Osun not only a great state but also a model state that others will learn from in education, healthcare delivery, science and technology, and economic empowerment. I can do it,” he added.
Responding, the state chairman of the party, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, urged all the aspirants to see themselves as one, assuring that the leadership of the party would soon bring them together.
