Hon. Bolanle Aminat Sarumi Aliyu (BASA), the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District in the 2027 general election, speaks on her personality, political journey, vision for public service, women’s participation in politics, and her commitment to improving the lives of the people of Oyo South. In this exclusive interview, she explains why she remains steadfast in her mission to serve and why she believes that, if elected, no one will be left behind.
Q1: Honourable, can we get to know you a little better? Tell us about yourself in a few words?
BASA: Thank you. Most people simply call me BASA, which stands for Bolanle Aminat Sarumi Aliyu.
I’m a people’s person, a happy soul, and a natural problem solver. There’s never a dull moment with me! Many people also call me “Ginger Mama,” and I absolutely love that nickname because it reflects who I am. I enjoy adding spice to people’s lives, inspiring hope, lifting people up when they’re down, and encouraging them to become the very best version of themselves.
Q2: What are your goals in life?
BASA: My greatest goal is to fulfil God’s purpose for my life.
On a personal level, I want to see all my children grow up successfully, graduate, build beautiful families of their own, and bless me with grandchildren.
Beyond my family, my dream is to make a lasting impact on humanity. I want to see parents enjoy the fruits of their labour. It breaks my heart knowing there are families who cannot afford a meal for a day, parents being evicted because they cannot pay rent, and young people whose parents sacrificed everything to educate them, only for them to remain unemployed.
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Every time I hear stories like these, my heart aches. That is why my life’s mission is service. I believe leadership should improve lives, create opportunities, and restore hope. I don’t want anyone to be left behind.
Q3: You contested for Governor of Oyo State in 2019. Your campaign was one of the most visible—we saw you go door-to-door, attend major debates, and campaign tirelessly for almost a year. Although you didn’t win, you refused to give up. Why?
BASA: (Laughs) Give up? How can I?
The passion to make things right burns inside me every single day. The desire to serve people never dies.
As I said earlier, it hurts my soul to know that so many people are suffering while many leaders seem disconnected from the realities of ordinary citizens. We see leaders living in luxury—driving expensive convoys and living in mansions—while the very people who elected them sleep under bridges, struggle to feed their families, and watch their children go to bed hungry.
Parents cry to God every day for help. Young people lose hope because there are no jobs. Communities lack basic infrastructure.
How can I simply walk away knowing all this?
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I pray the people will see 2027 as another opportunity to correct years of poor leadership choices. Too often, politicians make promises during campaigns, disappear after elections, return only when another election is near, distribute bags of rice during Christmas or Sallah, and then head back to Abuja while the people continue to suffer.
I believe leadership should be different.
I will continue meeting people, sharing my vision, explaining my manifesto, and presenting practical solutions. I believe the people deserve leaders who genuinely care, and by God’s grace, I hope they will choose a new path.
Q4: Our research shows that since 1999, only men have represented Oyo South Senatorial District in the Senate. Why do you think no woman has emerged?
BASA: There are several reasons.
- First, political structures often determine who gets the opportunity to contest seriously. Internal party politics can be challenging, and many capable people never get the chance.
- Secondly, the high cost of politics discourages many aspirants, especially women. Many ask themselves whether it is worth spending enormous amounts of money without any guarantee of success.
- Thirdly, fear also plays a role. Politics can be intimidating, and many women are discouraged from participating.
That is why I continue encouraging women to be courageous, bold, and believe in themselves. If your passion is genuine and your purpose is clear, you should never allow fear to stop you. No one can prevent what God has destined.
By God’s grace, I hope to become the first woman elected to represent Oyo South in the Senate. Women make up a significant proportion of the voting population, and I believe women are equally capable of providing effective, compassionate, and accountable leadership.
Q5: Finally, Honourable, thank you for speaking with us. Do you have any parting words for the people of Oyo South?
BASA: Thank you for having me.
To every resident of Oyo South, I make this solemn promise: once elected, no one will be left behind.
That is not just a campaign slogan—it is a commitment that will guide every decision I make. My mission is to ensure that every community has the opportunity to thrive. I want our children to receive quality education, our young people to have meaningful jobs and opportunities, our women to be empowered, our elderly to be respected and cared for, and our local economy to flourish.
I believe every individual has God-given potential. My responsibility as your Senator will be to create opportunities, remove barriers, and ensure that every voice is heard and every community is represented.
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Together, we can build an Oyo South where everyone has the opportunity to become the very best version of themselves.
Once elected, I promise you this: no one will be left behind.
Thank you, and may God bless Oyo South Senatorial District and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
2027: Why BASA Winning Hearts Across Oyo South Senatorial District
