By Akin Sokoya
Former presidential candidate, Prof. Oluwamuyiwa Favour Ayodele—widely known by his political moniker “The Carpenter”—has said Nigeria is currently grappling with the direct consequences of its electoral choices, warning that the 2027 general elections present a rare opportunity for Nigerians to reset the nation’s trajectory.
Prof. Ayodele made the remarks in a statement released on Sunday during an event where he formally announced his third attempt at the presidency after previous bids in 2019 and 2023.
Addressing supporters at the gathering, Ayodele said the urgency of Nigeria’s situation demands a new kind of leadership, declaring boldly: “Time for Favour has come.”
He argued that global events in recent years have shown that “elections have consequences,” stressing that Nigeria’s economic hardship and worsening insecurity were the outcomes of past voting decisions.
According to him, leadership choices are no longer remote or theoretical, as government policies now directly influence citizens’ living conditions, rights, health, and economic survival.
Ayodele urged Nigerians to approach the 2027 polls with deeper commitment, outlining four key principles for strengthening democracy—individual responsibility, intentional patriotism, diligence, and integrity.
He likened uninformed voting to “boarding a bus without knowing the destination,” insisting that citizens must research candidates before heading to the ballot.
The former candidate was accompanied by his wife, Ghanaian-born Helen Aduwa, and Architect Olufunke Olunloyo, daughter of the late Dr. Omololu Olunloyo,.
Ayodele lamented that Nigeria had endured “terrible times” under what he described as failed leadership, recycled political elites, obsolete policies, and weak political will.
He warned Nigerians to reject “political jailers” and support credible, forward-looking candidates, adding that money-driven politics continues to undermine governance. “If you don’t help credible leaders get into office, money bags will continue to dominate and disregard you because they believe they bought the office,” he said.
Positioning himself as a candidate aligning with Nigeria’s youthful population, Ayodele highlighted global examples of young leaders transforming their nations, citing Finland, Senegal, Chile, New Zealand, and El Salvador.
He dismissed fears that he could be overshadowed by wealthier political rivals, arguing that a united electorate is more powerful than financial influence. “We the people are more powerful than people in power,” he noted.
Unveiling his policy blueprint, Ayodele said his administration would seek to reopen Nigeria’s economic arteries for global competitiveness while preparing the next generation for productivity and innovation.
Central to his agenda is the G.E.T Mandate—Governance, Electricity, and Transformation—which he described as the foundation of any credible national revival.
Ayodele diagnosed Nigeria’s problem as what he termed Leadership Immune Deficiency (LID), arguing that the condition has weakened institutions and must be treated through bold reforms targeting corruption, insecurity, economic mismanagement, and political disunity.
