A former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Rauf Olaniyan, has stepped down from his position as Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, to pursue his governorship ambition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Olaniyan said his decision aligned with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu requiring political appointees with ambition for the 2027 general elections to step down from office on or before 31 March 2026.
In a resignation letter dated 23 March and addressed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Olaniyan described his appointment as a privilege and appreciated the president for the opportunity to serve.
He also thanked the management, staff and students of the institution for their cooperation, noting that he contributed to the college’s development during his tenure.
Olaniyan previously served under Seyi Makinde during his first term before he was impeached by the Oyo State House of Assembly. He later defected to the APC.
His resignation is seen as part of early political alignments ahead of the 2027 elections, as aspirants begin to position themselves for party primaries.
