23/06/2025
"There Is Nothing That Will Make Me StealâŠ" â My Integrity Promise to the People of Oyo
____ Barrister Abdur-Raheem Adebayo Sh*ttu
âThere is nothing that will make me steal, and I will not allow anyone to steal under my administration.â
These are not just wordsâthey are the foundation of my entire public life. I have served in government at various levels, including as a State Commissioner and a Federal Minister, and my record remains unblemished by any accusation of corruption. That is not by luckâit is by principle, by discipline, and by faith.
I believe public office is a sacred trust. I was not raised to take what is not mine, and I did not join politics to enrich myself. I joined to serve. To build. To lead with conscience and compassion. True wealth lies in legacyânot looting. And if I am elected Governor of Oyo State, I will lead with a firm hand on integrity.
Weâve all seen the destruction corruption brings: unfinished roads, abandoned schools, broken hospitals, and unpaid workers. That cycle must stop. Under my leadership:
Every kobo of Oyoâs money will serve the people of Oyo.
No official will be untouchableâno matter their title or connections.
Citizens will be able to track how funds are spentâand feel the results.
Development will be transparent, inclusive, and people-first.
This is not just a political stance. It is a personal vow.
_*Why Iâm Running: Inspired to Serve, Prepared to Lead*_
My story began in Saki, as a young student listening to Chief Obafemi Awolowo speak about political leadership. That day, I was the only youth present, and his words hit me deeply, especially when he lamented that Saki had yet to produce a top-level political figure.
I took that as a personal challenge.
Shortly after, I traveled to Awolowoâs Lagos home. He welcomed me, saw my sincerity, and appointed me to the UPN Committee of Friends. He also linked me with student political leaders at Obafemi Awolowo University, where I played a key role in policy drafting for the Unity Party of Nigeria.
At just 26, I became the youngest member of the old Oyo State House of Assembly, where I was known for my bold debates, even swaying Governor Bola Ige on major legislation.
My Impact So Far: Development You Can See and Feel
Throughout my public life, I have focused on results, not noise. I have led with my head and heart, and the results are clear:
Saki Water Works: I secured federal approval for its rehabilitation and expansion.
Saki 2Ă60 MVA Substation: I facilitated the project to solve persistent power outages across Oke-Ogun.
Ikere George Dam Reactivation (Iseyin): I helped revive it to support irrigation farming and enable local power generation.
In Water Access, I Delivered:
Six boreholes across the Ibadan land
Three boreholes in Ogbomoso (Orire, Ogo Oluwa, and Surulere LGAs)
Four boreholes in Oyo Federal Constituency (Afijio, Atiba, Oyo East, and Oyo West)
Three boreholes in Iseyin.
These are not plans or promisesâthey are projects I personally championed.
My 2027 Vision: A New Dawn for Oyo State
I am not running to occupy the governor's seatâI am running to serve the people, transform lives, and leave a legacy of trust and prosperity. Hereâs what I plan to do:
Free, quality education to university level, including mandatory entrepreneurial training for all students.
Universal basic healthcare with digital records, smart clinics, and zero tolerance for medical neglect.
Youth and women's enterprise grantsâespecially in agricultureâwith access to land, funding, and tools.
Statewide digital connectivity powered by solar Wi-Fi and smart governance infrastructure. Zero corruption, total transparency, and participatory budgeting to keep governance in the hands of the people.
Why You Can Trust Me
I have served as:
Legislator (Youngest Assembly member in Oyoâs history)
Commissioner for Information and Attorney-General
Minister of Communications (transformed Nigeriaâs digital economy)
I have never been accused of corruption. Never abused my office. Never taken advantage of public trust.
My Final Word to the People of Oyo
âI answered Chief Awolowoâs callânot just to lead, but to serve.
Now, Iâm answering your callâto finish the work, and to build a state where opportunity is not a privilege, but a right.â