Oyo 2027: Gbolarunmi wins PDP governorship ticket

From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan

The build-up to the 2027 general elections in Oyo State gathered momentum on Sunday as former Deputy Governor Alhaji Barrister Hazeem Gbolarunmi emerged as the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following a landslide victory in the party’s primary election.

The primary election, which was held amid heavy security presence and a large voter turnout across the state, also produced candidates for various federal constituencies, with party leaders describing the exercise as peaceful, transparent and a reflection of the PDP’s growing unity ahead of the polls.

Chairman of the Oyo State PDP Governorship Primary Election Committee, Hon. Awoniyi Tolulope, announced the result at the collation centre, revealing that out of 3,694 registered members and 3,640 accredited voters, Gbolarunmi secured 3,615 votes to defeat his opponent, who polled 22 votes.

Awoniyi commended party members for their orderly conduct throughout the exercise and officially declared Gbolarunmi winner after confirming that he satisfied all provisions of the party guidelines and the Electoral Act.

Speaking after his emergence, Gbolarunmi thanked God and members of his “rescue mission” team for their support, while calling on party members to remain united ahead of the governorship election.

According to him, there was “no victor and no vanquished” in the contest, insisting that the PDP remained one family determined to reclaim power in the state.

He pledged that his administration, if elected in 2027, would prioritise the welfare of the masses and provide people-oriented governance.

Gbolarunmi also dismissed rumours of a political alliance or ballot merger between the PDP and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), describing the claims as misleading and politically motivated.

He argued that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) does not permit the printing of two political party logos for a single candidate, warning political opponents against deceiving the electorate.

Quoting a Yoruba proverb, “Ti iro ba lo logun odun, ijo kan ni ododo ma ba,” Gbolarunmi maintained that truth would always prevail over falsehood.

The Oyo State PDP Chairman, Professor Rahman Akinshowo, described the primary election as free, fair and credible, while also dismissing allegations of irregularities raised by an aggrieved aspirant identified as Odun Shola.

Akinshowo clarified that the state chapter was not responsible for the disqualification of any aspirant, stressing that only two governorship aspirants were cleared by the PDP national headquarters to participate in the primary.

Also speaking, Secretary of the PDP Planning and Strategy Committee, Rotimi Ajimobi, said Odun Shola failed the party’s screening exercise despite purchasing the nomination form.

Ajimobi expressed surprise at what he described as a premature press statement that attacked the credibility of the election.

The PDP National Women Leader, Professor Adenike Ogunse, MNI, praised the transparency of the exercise and commended security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force, for maintaining order during the primary.

She rejected rumours of any merger with the APM, insisting that the PDP remained a strong and united political platform in Oyo State.

Professor Ogunse further dismissed reports of internal divisions within the party, saying lingering disputes had been resolved and that the PDP remained law-abiding and focused on victory in 2027.

The primary election also produced candidates for federal legislative seats.

Amare Akinkunmi Akinyemi emerged as the PDP candidate for the Ibadan South-East/North-East Federal Constituency and dismissed claims by a rival aspirant alleging victory in the contest.

Similarly, Hon. Samson Opeyemi Fatola secured the ticket for the Ibadan South-West/North-West Federal Constituency.

Both candidates expressed confidence that the PDP would defeat the incumbent administration in the next election, citing the large turnout recorded during the primaries as evidence of the party’s grassroots strength.

Meanwhile, another PDP chieftain, Hon. Bolanle Sarumi-Aliyu, popularly known as BASA, has hinted at her intention to contest the Oyo South Senatorial seat in 2027.

BASA made the disclosure during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, Mr Akeem Abas, in Ibadan.

The former Special Assistant on Diaspora to Governor Seyi Makinde said her consultations were part of preparations for the 2027 elections.

She stated that her ambition was driven by the desire to provide effective representation for the people of Oyo South Senatorial District at the National Assembly.

According to BASA, her focus would be on quality lawmaking, effective oversight, and attracting development projects to the district.

She also promised inclusive representation, especially for women and vulnerable groups, if elected into the Senate.

The politician appealed for public support and assured residents that she would justify the confidence reposed in her.

BASA equally congratulated the NUJ chairman on his emergence and prayed for a successful tenure as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections continue to intensify in Oyo State.