Renowned human rights advocate and community leader, Chief Niyi Aborisade, has said his foray into politics is driven not by personal ambition but by a deep sense of calling and commitment to the service of Oyo State and Nigeria.
Aborisade, a 2027 governorship aspirant in Oyo State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made the declaration during a fundraising programme for his campaign held in the United Kingdom.
Tracing his journey from civic activism abroad to grassroots political participation in Nigeria, Aborisade described his political ambition as a divine assignment rather than a career pursuit.
“Politics is more than just ambition; it is a calling,” he said. “Just as some are called to be pastors or imams, I believe I have been called to serve my people through politics. That’s why I am not afraid of challenges or the dangers that come with it.”
Aborisade, who spent several years abroad, said his passion for Nigeria never waned. His civic engagement began with the co-founding of Civil Liberty Watch before he went on to establish Egbe Omo Yoruba in Germany and later the National Movement for Positive Change in the United Kingdom — initiatives aimed at promoting Yoruba culture and defending the integrity of Yoruba youth in the diaspora.
“At that time, I was not even thinking of politics. We simply wanted to help our country and protect our cultural values abroad. Later, I founded the National Movement for Positive Change, a human rights organisation, again driven by the same love for Nigeria,” he explained.
Even during turbulent periods in Nigeria’s political history, including the Abacha era, Aborisade remained active in advocacy and mobilisation efforts, drawing international attention to the plight of Nigerians.
Sharing personal stories of courage, he recalled traveling through dangerous terrain during a campaign in Oyo State without security.
“At 1:30 am, I was in a forest on our way to Iseyin after a campaign. People were afraid, but I told them not to worry. When God is behind you, His protection is sure,” he recounted.
He urged citizens, particularly the youth, to overcome fear and take up leadership roles with integrity and confidence.
“If we don’t volunteer ourselves to fix this country, who will? We have seen how other nations are governed, and we can bring that knowledge home. It won’t be easy, but we will succeed,” he said.
Aborisade called for a new wave of morally grounded leadership, contrasting godly politicians with those driven by selfish interests.
“There’s a big difference between an ungodly politician and a godly one. It all depends on the source of your power. If your source is pure, your leadership will reflect that,” he stated.
He added that his experience as Mogaji (family head) taught him that leadership requires courage.
“Before I became Mogaji, we used to fear the unknown. But once I stepped into the role, that fear disappeared.
That’s how leadership works — you don’t run away from challenges; you confront them with courage and conviction,” he said.
With a track record of grassroots activism, cultural advocacy, and political engagement, Aborisade pledged to bring the positive change that Oyo State and Nigeria urgently need.
“I believe I am in a position to make that change, not by empty promises, but through leadership built on love, service, and the fear of God,” he affirmed.
