The political landscape of Oyo State witnessed a significant shift on Thursday as a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Otunba Oluseye Opatoki, formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election.

​Speaking during a high-stakes meeting at Ogbongan in Akinyele Local Government Area, Opatoki told a cheering crowd of supporters and party stakeholders that his entry into the race is a response to widespread calls for service and a commitment to sustaining the developmental strides recorded in the state.

​Addressing the gathering at the Ward 2 stakeholders’ session, the aspirant emphasized that his ambition is firmly anchored on the platform of the PDP. He noted that the massive turnout and the enthusiasm of the residents served as a clear validation of his political journey.

​”I am here today to formally declare my intention to contest for the governorship position in the 2027 election,” Opatoki stated. “The reception is amazing and it shows that my people accept me. The people have been waiting for this moment, and now it has become a reality.”

​A central theme of Opatoki’s declaration was his vocal support for the incumbent governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde. He commended the Governor’s leadership style, describing him as a performance-driven administrator whose “purposeful governance” has redefined the state’s trajectory.

​In a move that signaled a desire for party cohesion, Opatoki declared that his political alignment remains tethered to the Governor’s leadership. He maintained that he would follow the Governor’s lead in the collective interest of the state’s progress, stressing that unity and stability are paramount for the PDP’s success in the upcoming general elections.

​The event drew a significant array of political heavyweights and grassroots organizers, including the PDP Local Government PRO, Hon. Olaoluwa Oyegoke Faleye; the Ward 2 Chairman, Comrade Abiodun Adejare; and the Senior Special Assistant to the Akinyele Local Government Chairman on Community Matters, Hon. Hammed Ologunebi.

​Other key figures in attendance included Hon. Moroof Fagbemi, Comrade Akinlolu Adesina, and several current and former legislative representatives, all of whom witnessed the formal kickoff of Opatoki’s campaign.

​As the meeting concluded, Opatoki called for sustained engagement and cooperation among party members, urging them to begin earnest preparations to ensure the party maintains its stronghold in Oyo State when the 2027 polls arrive.