Zacch Adedeji rules out plan to contest governorship election in 2027

Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji says he has no plan to contest the 2027 governorship election in Oyo state.

Adedeji spoke on Thursday during the New Year service of his church in Iwo Ate, Ogo-Oluwa LGA of Oyo.

There have been reports about the possibility of Adedeji joining the race even though he has not made any public declaration.

In December 2024, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Youth Coalition for Good Governance claimed the FIRS boss was distracted due to his alleged political ambition.

But speaking during the New Year service, Adedeji said he had done the work required of him in Oyo when he served as commissioner for finance in the administration of the late Abiola Ajimobi.

Adedeji asked his well-wishers to pray for him to perform optimally in his current position.

“I want to respond to a lot of requests. I, Zach Adedeji, will not contest for the governorship election in 2027,” he said.

“I know a lot of people will not be happy about this but everybody that knows the responsibility and grace that Almighty has given to us… I was commissioner of finance 14 years ago and by that time, with the grace of God, we’d done all God wanted us to do in the state.

“He has given us that platform so the only thing I need from you is the prayer that in what I’m doing now, that the Lord gives me strength. So, I would not want to be distracted.”

President Bola Tinubu appointed Adedeji to head the FIRS in September 2023.

Adedeji had previously served as the executive secretary and chief executive officer (CEO) of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC).