BOT Campaign

The Journey of a Contender: Biyi Otegbeye's 2023 Ogun Gubernatorial Campaign

Politics is more than manifestos, policies, and debates—it is about people, passion, and purpose. It is the story of individuals who dare to dream, who step into the arena despite the odds, and who rally others around a shared vision. Through my lens, I had the privilege of documenting the journey of Biyi Otegbeye, a contender in the 2023 Ogun State gubernatorial election, as he took his message to the people, one community at a time.

From the first rally to the final vote, his campaign was a testament to resilience. It was a movement fueled by belief—belief in change, in new possibilities, and in a different approach to leadership. Every handshake, every speech, every gathering in the markets, town halls, and streets carried a message beyond politics: it was about representation, about giving people a choice.

But campaigns are never without challenges. There were moments of uncertainty, of roadblocks, both literal and figurative. Yet, in those moments, the spirit of his supporters never wavered. They danced in the sun, marched through the streets, and filled the air with chants of hope. Their eyes told a story of commitment, of people who saw themselves in the candidate they stood behind.

One of the most striking aspects of documenting this campaign was capturing the human side of politics—the unguarded moments, the laughter behind the scenes, the exhaustion after a long day, the quiet reflections before stepping onto a stage. Politics is not just about victory or defeat; it is about the stories that unfold in between.

This collection of images is not just a chronicle of Biyi Otegbeye’s journey; it is a reflection of the political heartbeat of Ogun State at that time. It is about the people who believed in something greater than themselves, the communities that welcomed the campaign, and the emotions—both spoken and unspoken—that made this race unique.

As you browse through these images, I hope you see more than just a campaign—I hope you see the spirit of a people, the pulse of democracy, and the power of storytelling through photography.