• Urges Rivals To Support His Ambition
• Receives Nelson Mandela Leadership Award
The Chairman of the Nigerian Capital Development Fund (NCDF), Hareta Babatunde Oralusi, has formally declared his intention to contest in the 2026 Osun State gubernatorial election under the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC).
Oralusi, who previously contested for the governorship seat as a candidate of the Action Alliance in 2014, but lost, made the declaration on Thursday, October 9, restating his commitment to lead with innovation, integrity, and inclusive growth.
In a statement released to The Guardian, Oralusi highlighted his proposed areas of focus if given the mandate to preside over the affairs of the state.
Among his vision for the state are to create an economy that produces jobs for the youth; a healthcare system that serves every community; a digital education revolution that prepares the children of the state for tomorrow; a partnership-driven state that attracts investors and rewards hard work and a peaceful, prosperous Osun that becomes a model for sustainable development in Nigeria.
Oralusi also expressed his determination to consolidate on President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said: “Today, Nigeria is at the dawn of a new era. Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, we are witnessing the birth of a New Nigeria, a nation grounded on sustainable development, economic transformation, and inclusive growth.
“Mr. President is not just changing policies, he is changing mindsets. He is rebuilding a Nigeria where competence triumphs over connection, and innovation replaces entitlement.
“In Osun, we must not lag behind this Renewed Hope vision. We must complement the President’s national reforms with state-level transformation, turning Osun into a productive, modern, and prosperous state that contributes meaningfully to the New Nigeria agenda.”
Oralusi also pledged to end the “era of entitlement and cabal politics’ in the state, assuring that under his watch, the collective wealth of the state would be utilised for the benefit of the masses.
According to him, the era where Osun’s common resources are held hostage by a few must give way to a new dawn, a dawn of accountability, transparency, and shared prosperity.
“I am here to say boldly: Osun belongs to all of us. Our resources must serve the people, not the privileged few.
“We must reclaim our destiny and return governance to where it truly belongs to the citizens of Osun State. The time is now and no one would be left behind,” he declared.
While stressing the importance of ensuring peaceful collaboration with the local councils in building a development-driven state, Oralusi said that true governance is achieved when local councils are empowered, adding that, “development does not start from Abuja; it starts from the states and local governments.”
He noted that for Nigeria to win amid the present challenges, there must be visionary, selfless, and innovative leaders who prioritise people over power.
“This is why I am deeply committed to restoring full autonomy and functionality to local governments, because that is where the people are, and where progress begins. Under my leadership, every local government will be a centre of development, enterprise, and opportunity. We will rebuild infrastructure, empower youth entrepreneurs, expand access to education, and leverage technology to create jobs and wealth for our people,” he said.
He pointed out that the APC under President Tinubu has proven that a new generation of bold, innovative leaders can emerge and deliver results.
“I represent that same vision – the bridge between the old and the new; a leader with global exposure and grassroots connection; a man ready to bring innovation into governance. Osun deserves a leader who understands development economics, who has built institutions, attracted investments, and implemented impactful projects both at home and abroad. That is the leadership I bring, leadership that listens, leads, and delivers,” he stated.
He acknowledged His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, for serving as a symbol of the new generational leadership.
He stressed that the Ooni has shown that vision and progress have no age limit. “As a proud son of Ile-Ife, I am encouraged by his leadership example, proof that the future of Yoruba land and Osun State lies in young, innovative, and courageous leaders.”
Oralusi recognised other contestants on the platform of APC, particularly Senator Iyiola Omisore, whom he described as “elder brother, mentor, and a man whose contributions to national and local development are exemplary.”
He, however, appealed to him and other contestants to join hands “to support the younger generation to advance the work of the development of the country.”
“With your blessing and the blessing of our elders, I am confident that our party will emerge stronger and more united,” he added.
Speaking on why his rivals must embrace his ambition, he noted that the 2026 governorship election would not be about political affiliation alone but competence, credibility, and the capacity to deliver.
“Voters are now wiser; they are no longer swayed by slogans but by performance. And I say confidently – I am the most prepared, most innovative, and most competent candidate for this job.”
Oralusi noted that he is coming into politics to serve “because I have learned all my life to lead.”
He added: “My journey across business, public service, and developmental work has given me the skills to transform vision into reality. I have built institutions, not just ideas. I have created jobs, not promises. I have mobilised investments, not donations. I have empowered youth and women, connecting them to opportunities at home and abroad.
“From my global experience with the London School of Social Enterprise and Sustainable Economics (UK), to my leadership of the Nigerian Capital Development Fund (NCDF), I have worked to bring development finance, entrepreneurship, and innovation into governance.
“This is what I will bring to Osun – a practical, modern, transparent, and technology-driven government that works for the people.”
He extended his deep gratitude to the elders and founding fathers of the party across the three senatorial districts, for their wisdom, sacrifice, and commitment that have sustained the party in Osun State, saying: “I particularly recognise the immense leadership and guidance of Baba Akande, Adegboyega Oyetola, Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun, Baba Oladoyin, Chief Wahab Adetunji Olowo Asalu, Oluomo Fatoki Kolawole, Baba Ajao, Sooko Adeleke Adewoyin, Minister Awotorebo, Engr. Awofisayo, Baba Felix Awofisayo, Baba Fakunle, Balogun Omolade Binuyo, Sooko Lekan Afolabi O., Prof. Oladipo, Baba J. A. Ajao, Baba Adebowale, Her Excellency Titilayo Ponle, Kunle Odeyemi, Nasiru Komolafe (Ajeje), Baba Emiola Ogunsanya, Baba Oni, Baba Adesunkan Tunji, the Chairman of Agba Osun, Engr. Sola Akinwumi, Babatunde Olateju Nasiru, and other distinguished elders whose footprints guide us daily. Your mentorship has built the foundation on which our future stands.”
Meanwhile, the Southern Youth Forum has lauded Oralusi for his immeasurable contribution towards the economic growth and infrastructural development of the country.
The group, while presenting the Nelson Mandela Leadership award of Excellence and Integrity to the governorship aspirant, last Thursday, said the awardee has demonstrated excellent and quality leadership, adding that this is what earned him this honour.
The group said: “It is on this note that we own it as a duty, on behalf of humanity, to profoundly appreciate and celebrate our amiable selfless leader who has not only contributed immeasurably towards the economic growth and infrastructural development of Nigeria, but has equally done so with greater efficiency, proficiency, patriotism and dedication.
“Sir, you have performed exceedingly well; your excellent performance in ensuring adherence to quality service delivery and smooth operation in any assignment given to you are worthy of commendation. We are equally celebrating this amiable lover of the masses who has been having a distinguished career with untainted and unblemished records.”
The group further noted that the awardee, through his diligence, perseverance, dedication and content of good character, has become “a source of great inspiration to millions of Nigerian youths.”
“For many decades, you have demonstrated over the years some rare qualities which have towered you above your peers.
“You are a man of great intellectual capacity, very brave, composed, highly matured, experienced, efficient, cerebral, connected, and the very requisite attributes needed of any leader for outstanding performance.”
The SYF, founded in 2000, is a coalition of young professionals, politically conscious youth and some notable elders of the youth across the southern part of the country.
Its broad mission is to create a formidable platform for coordination of awareness advocacy and historical research for improved leadership, open governance and innovative development of the young generation of the country.
Another objective of the group is also to reawaken the spirit of involvement and participation in every facet of economic and social-political life, especially on political decisions, security matters, education, community services, democracy and good governance.
