The political stability within the Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is currently facing a litmus test as a major rift has erupted over the selection of the party’s flagbearer for the Ibadan North West/South West Federal Constituency. In a dramatic twist that threatens to upend the internal cohesion of the party, several leading aspirants have come forward to vehemently debunk reports claiming they have stepped down for Dr. Stephen Fagbemi. The aspirants—Hon. Kehinde Giwa, Mayegun Sunday Olusegun Babanumi, and Hon. Abayomi Fagbenro Bibire—have categorically distanced themselves from what they described as a “media-sponsored consensus arrangement.” The controversy stems from a recent publication suggesting that stakeholders had reached a unanimous decision to adopt Dr. Fagbemi. However, investigations conducted by Gistlife reveal a deep-seated resentment among the other contenders, who claim they were never part of such a resolution, nor did they append their signatures to any document validating the choice. Sources close to the disgruntled aspirants described the report as “premature, misleading, and a calculated attempt to ambush the party’s democratic process.” They maintained that while consultations are a natural part of the political cycle, no inclusive meeting was ever convened where a final candidate was collectively agreed upon. “We didn’t sign, and we didn’t agree,” a source close to the aspirants told our correspondent. “The PDP is a party of due process. You cannot manufacture a consensus in the pages of a newspaper without the consent of the actual competitors. This is not just a slight against us; it is a threat to the unity of the party in this constituency.” Further checks indicate that the friction is not limited to the aspirants alone. Several key leaders and stakeholders within the Ibadan North West and South West local governments have expressed total disagreement with the purported adoption, raising concerns over the credibility of the information being circulated. Critics have warned that projecting a candidate through “media-driven conclusions” rather than transparent internal democracy risks creating avoidable tension and undermining the trust of the party’s grassroots supporters. In a unified move to restore order, the aspirants are now seeking an urgent audience with the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde. They expressed firm confidence in the Governor’s leadership, noting that his intervention is crucial to ensuring fairness, transparency, and adherence to the party’s constitution. The aspirants emphasized that they are committed to a resolution that reflects the collective will of all stakeholders, rather than an outcome dictated by “sensational and unverified publications.” As the race for the ticket intensifies, all eyes are now on the Governor’s office and the state party leadership to mediate and prevent a full-blown crisis ahead of the primaries. Post navigation “The President Has Spoken:” GNI Leads the Charge for Yayi as Ogun APC Aligns with Tinubu’s Vision Aregbesola Blows Hot, Brands Tinubu’s Renewed Hope A Scam
